Leandro Trossard and Bernd Leno react to Granit Xhaka amid Sunderland links
Granit Xhaka has shared an update on his transfer situation with the former Arsenal midfielder lined up for a shock return to the Premier League.
Xhaka spent seven years at the Emirates, winning the FA Cup twice in his spell in North London before departing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
The Swiss midfielder was part of Xabi Alonso’s invincible Bundesliga winning squad in his first season at the BayArena.
Sunderland are now looking at an ambitious move to sign Xhaka, even though the 32-year-old still has three years left on his Bayer Leverkusen contract.
Former Arsenal team mates react to Xhaka update
Despite speculation back to the Premier League, Xhaka has returned to pre-season training at Bayer Leverkusen.
He shared pictures from training on his Instagram, including a group picture with members of the squad, captioned with three fire emojis.
Former Arsenal team mates Leandro Trossard and Bernd Leno were among those to like the post, whilst Bayer Leverkusen’s social media account responded with three face exhaling emojis.
Black Cats face competition for Xhaka
Football Insider Verdict
It would be a coup from Sunderland if they are able to pull off one of the least expected moves of the transfer window.
Regis Le Bris has already signed Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra to strengthen his midfield and Noah Sadiki from Union SG.
Xhaka has proven himself to be a combative midfielder, who is also captain of the Switzerland national side.
Playing on the left of a midfield three at Arsenal, he could also chip in with goals and assists whilst protecting the back four.
| Appearances | 297 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 29 |
The Black Cats had one of the youngest squads in the Championship last season, and whilst more experience has been brought in this window, Le Bris’ squad still lacks Premier League know-how.
A deal for Xhaka will be tough for Sunderland as club’s from Saudi Arabia are also pursuing a move, and their financial power may be enough to beat the Black Cats to the Swiss internationals signature.
Sunderland are being ambitious to stay in the Premier League amid the previous tale of promoted club’s struggling to compete in the top flight.
If they can add Xhaka to their midfield, Le Bris will have a solid foundation in the middle of the park to work around.