(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Wilson Isidor and Chris Rigg welcome Granit Xhaka's major transfer announcement

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

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Granit Xhaka has announced his next destination after leaving Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent transfer.

The Swiss midfielder won a Bundesliga title in his first season at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso following seven seasons at Arsenal.

Xhaka won the FA Cup twice in his time in North London going on to become an important part of Mikel Arteta's midfield.

The 32-year-old completed a redemption arc at Arsenal after previously being the centre of criticism at the club for poor performances before Arteta's arrival in December 2019.

Arteta having an animated chat with Granit Xhaka on the sidelines.
Arteta helped revitalise Xhaka's time at Arsenal. (Credit: Getty)

Xhaka confirms Sunderland move

Taking to Instagram, Xhaka announced he had signed for Premier League side Sunderland, in a statement of intent from the Black Cats on their return to the top flight.

Xhaka posted a lengthy message on his Instagram account which included the line "Let's make something special together," which was liked by his new Sunderland team mates Wilson Isidor and Chris Rigg.

The pair were both major players in Sunderland's promotion success after they defeated Sheffield United at Wembley in the play-off final.

Isidor scored 12 Championship goals whilst 18-year-old Rigg netted four times and registered an assist.

Rigg could be set to leave the club this summer with Everton and West Ham both showing interest.

Sunderland continue to show ambition

Football Insider Verdict

Manager Regis Le Bris is not messing about this summer and the purchase of Xhaka marks the club's ambition to not just make up the numbers in the Premier League next season.

Xhaka was known for his strong midfield tackles, long-range strikes and leadership qualities during his time at Arsenal, although sometimes his eagerness to win spilled over into frustration.

Apperances297
Goals23
Assists29
Xhaka's record in all competitions during his spell at Arsenal.

The midfielder has a tendency to sometimes over step the mark which has resulted in many red cards for Xhaka over the years.

Sunderland's midfield area though now looks strong with Xhaka set to take up a position on the left of a midfield three.

Earlier signings of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki will likely join Xhaka in the starting line-up, with the former having joined for a club record fee.

The window is still not done for Sunderland with the Black Cats in battle with Burnley and Leeds for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Sunderland are also competing with the likes of Liverpool for Metz striker Idrissa Gueye.

Sunderland AFC
Granit Xhaka
Chris Rigg
Wilson Isidor
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