Marc Guiu and Manuel Akanji respond after Granit Xhaka news confirmed
Sunderland have made a major decision regarding new signing Granit Xhaka ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Black Cats are preparing for their Premier League return this weekend, their first top-flight campaign in nine years, as Sunderland host West Ham on 16 August.
It has been a busy summer transfer window for the club, , with Sunderland signing the likes of Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra joining the list of 11 new arrivals
However, they have also had to contend with the departure of Jobe Bellingham, who opted to join Borussia Dortmund rather than remain for the club’s return to the Premier League.
Now, with the new campaign about to get underway, the club have made a decision on Xhaka that has sparked reaction from across the division.
Sunderland appoint Granit Xhaka as new captain
The Black Cats confirmed on their official Instagram account that Xhaka has been named the Sunderland’s new captain for the upcoming Premier League season.
The announcement prompted plenty of reaction, with fellow Swiss international Manuel Akanji, Wilson Isidor and new signing Marc Guiu all liking the post.
Xhaka joined Sunderland in a surprise move earlier this summer after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped Xabi Alonso’s side to a historic unbeaten, title-winning campaign in 2023/24.
He previously captained Arsenal under Unai Emery but was stripped of the armband after a controversial incident with supporters. However, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris appears to have put that episode behind him, handing the 32-year-old the captaincy.
Xhaka replaces Luke O’Nien and Dan Neil, who shared the armband last season, with both players linked with a potential exit from the club this summer.
| Season statistics | Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen |
| Appearances | 49 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 7 |
Sunderland join race to sign Matt O’Riley
Despite already making 11 signings this summer, Le Bris’ side remain active in the transfer market.
Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland are among the clubs showing interest in Matt O’Riley, who is “highly rated” by the hierarchy.
The midfielder has struggled to make an impact at the Amex Stadium since joining from Celtic last summer, and several clubs – including Juventus – are understood to be monitoring his situation.