Overview

• Sunderland have signed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
• The transfer carries an initial fee of £13 million, with potential performance add-ons lifting the cost to around £17 million.
• Xhaka arrives as Switzerland captain with a record 137 caps, following seven years at Arsenal and a double-winning season with Leverkusen in 2023-24.
• Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the signing underscored Sunderland’s ambition to build a Premier League-ready squad.
• His leadership and midfield control are expected to be central to Sunderland’s plan to avoid relegation after promotion.