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Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka seals shock £17m transfer to Sunderland as Bayer Leverkusen ignore Erik ten Hag plea
In a surprising twist, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has returned to the Premier League, signing for newly promoted Sunderland in a £17 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 31-year-old Swiss international penned a three-year deal with the Black Cats after two successful seasons in Germany, where he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double.
Xhaka’s return comes despite efforts by Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag, who was reportedly keen to keep the experienced midfielder, warning that his departure could “undermine the structure and culture of the squad.”
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The Swiss star now joins a growing list of high-profile exits from Leverkusen this summer, alongside Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Jonathan Tah.
With 225 Premier League appearances under his belt from his time at Arsenal, Xhaka brings proven top-flight experience to the Stadium of Light as Sunderland gear up for life back in the elite division.
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Speaking to the club’s media team after the announcement, Xhaka said:
“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. 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.”
He will don the No. 34 shirt at Sunderland and is expected to join up with his new teammates in pre-season ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against West Ham United on August 16.
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Granit Xhaka, who joins on a three-year deal from Bayer 04 Leverkusen! ❤️✍️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 30, 2025
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