Chris Smith

Wed 16 July 2025 14:58, UK

Sunderland are pursuing a move to bring Granit Xhaka back to the Premier League, but a deal may not be as easy to strike as first thought.

Xhaka played 297 times across all competitions for Arsenal between 2016 and 2023, winning two FA Cups and two Community Shields before departing for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Switzerland international has since become a key figure for Leverkusen, helping Die Werkself win an unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24, alongside reaching that year’s Europa League final and lifting the 2024/25 DFL-Supercup.

But despite still having three more years to run on his deal in the Bundesliga, rumours are circulating that Xhaka will leave Leverkusen this summer.

Sunderland face major competition in Xhaka pursuit

According to Sky Sports (16 July), Sunderland are exploring an ‘ambitious’ move to sign Xhaka in the current transfer window.

The Black Cats earned promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs last season and appear hellbent on staying there, already making a number of major signings, including Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi.

The further addition of Xhaka would provide them with vital Premier League experience, which could tip the scales in the relegation battle, and that’s without mentioning the quality he’ll bring in possession to Regis Le Bris’ side.

However, a deal with Xhaka won’t be straightforward, with Saudi Pro League teams also understood to be interested in signing the midfielder.

Xhaka will turn 33 during the upcoming campaign and this is likely to be his last chance to earn a significant payday. That might well be the defining factor in choosing his next destination, should a Saudi team lodge a bid.

Sunderland spending big in bid to avoid the drop

Football Insider verdict

The three promoted teams have gone straight back down without even so much as a whimper of resistance in the last two Premier League seasons, highlighting the increasingly difficult task of breaking into English football’s elite.

With that in mind, this summer transfer window will be vital for Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland.

The latter, at least, appear to have no problems splashing the cash.

Yes, Sunderland sold Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for £35million. But in return, they’ve brought in no fewer than six players at a combined cost of over £100m, and they don’t look like stopping yet.

It’s a sad reality that clubs must spend so much to have a chance of surviving these days, but Sunderland supporters can rest easy knowing their club is doing all it can to sustain them as a top-flight force once again.