Overview

• Sunderland are in advanced club-to-club negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a €10 million fee for the 32-year-old midfielder.
• The proposed agreement includes a three-year contract to entice Xhaka, who still has three years remaining on his Leverkusen deal signed in 2023.
• Saudi Arabian suitors such as Neom SC remain active in pursuit of Xhaka’s signature, adding pressure to Sunderland’s bid.
• Xhaka won two FA Cups during seven seasons at Arsenal and played a key role in Leverkusen’s 2023–24 Bundesliga title success before making 49 appearances last term.
• Newly promoted under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland aim to reinforce their squad for Premier League survival following their Championship play-off triumph in May.