FORMER Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has completed his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland.
The Switzerland international sealed his return to the English Premier League today, in a deal reportedly worth €20m.
“Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Granit Xhaka, subject to international clearance,” the newly promoted club announced on their official website.
“The midfielder arrives from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee and signs a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
“Ever-present at the pinnacle of the game throughout the last decade, Xhaka represented Arsenal 225 times in the Premier League and won the Emirates FA Cup twice, whilst also captaining the Gunners.
“A remarkable period followed his arrival at the BayArena in 2023, as Leverkusen’s record-shattering invincible season saw Xabi Alonso’s side win their first-ever Bundesliga title and second DFB-Pokal.
“Ranked 16th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, Xhaka has captained Switzerland since 2020 and is the nation’s record appearance holder with 137 caps.”
Xhaka said he was delighted to return to England with the Black Cats.
“I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the Club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have,” he said.
“It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this Club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.
“I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well. We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.”
Xhaka started his career with FC Concordia Basel before joining FC Basel in 2002, aged 10.
After rising through the ranks, including being a member of the Under-15 team that won the Swiss championship with a 100%-win record, he progressed into the senior team under Thorsten Fink ahead of the 2010-2011 season.
A seven-year association with Arsenal started in May 2016 and included two Emirates FA Cup successes, two FA Community Shield wins, and 297 appearances.
Xhaka scored 23 goals and contributed 29 assists in North London, cementing his place as a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium before exiting to join Leverkusen in July 2023.
Further success followed at the BayArena, as Leverkusen won an historic first Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal during an invincible domestic season that also saw them reach the UEFA Europa League final.
Xhaka was named Swiss Footballer of the Year in 2017, 2022, and 2023, and has been an integral member of the national team since 2011, featuring at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
The 32-year-old midfielder will wear the number 34 shirt at Sunderland.