‘Strange’ – Le Tissier baffled by Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka deal after ‘tantrums’
Sunderland’s signing of Granit Xhaka may have a negative effect for both player and club this season.
That is according to Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that although the Switzerland international was signed to add experience to the Black Cats’ squad, his “best days are behind him”.
Sunderland completed the signing of Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen this summer for £17.3million [Sky Sports], ending the former Arsenal man’s two-year stint in Germany.
The 32-year-old joined Regis Le Bris‘ side during a massive overhaul at the Stadium of Light.
Having achieved promotion via the playoffs, Sunderland have spent £140m overhauling their squad, something they can afford to do thanks to their investment in their academy, football finance expert Dan Plumley told Football Insider.
However, despite Xhaka‘s impressive resume and vast experience in the Premier League, Le Tissier has his concerns about the midfielder.
Granit Xhaka is not a ‘model pro’
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Le Tissier named Xhaka when asked about the three transfers that had least impressed him this summer.
After choosing Noni Madueke and Anthony Elanga, the Premier League legend said: “The other one was probably Granit Xhaka, who is 32, closing in on 33. I think his best days are behind him.
“He’s gone from a Bayer Leverkusen team that were pretty good to being somebody who’s going to be in a team that’s going to be struggling at the bottom end of the table, and I’m not sure he’s going to be used to that.”
When asked whether Sunderland may have bought Xhaka to add experience to a young Sunderland side, Le Tissier said: “I think that was possibly the case and I just think his best days are behind him and for that kind of money, I don’t know, because I don’t even think he shows the greatest example as a senior pro.
“We saw some of his tantrums at Arsenal so it’s not like he’s the model pro to set a great example for the young kids.
“That’s why it just made me go, ah, that’s a strange one.”
Dele Alli tipped for Sunderland move after Como struggles
Dele Alli has left Como in Serie A after making just one appearance for Cesc Fabregas’ side in his stint with the club.
The England international is now without a club and is looking to kickstart his career after several difficult years.
Speaking previously to Football Insider, Le Tissier said that Sunderland could make a move to sign Dele Alli.
The former striker explained that the ex-Tottenham man would add experience to the Black Cats and his unpredictable playstyle could make a big difference for them in their efforts to avoid relegation.