Granit Xhaka is returning to the Premier League

Granit Xhaka is officially back in the Premier League, marking a stunning move that sees the Swiss international midfielder join Sunderland, a club returning to England’s top flight after years of absence.

The transfer, confirmed on Wednesday, represents one of the most high-profile signings in Sunderland’s recent history and a bold signal of ambition by the newly promoted side. Xhaka’s arrival brings not only top-level experience but also leadership and a winning mentality that could be vital in the club’s quest to reestablish itself in the Premier League.

Xhaka, now 32, returns to familiar territory after a successful and often dramatic spell in England with Arsenal. Between 2016 and 2023, he made over 290 appearances for the Gunners, scoring some memorable goals and earning a reputation as a tenacious, no-nonsense midfielder. During his time at the Emirates, he lifted two FA Cups and two Community Shields, and while he often divided opinion among fans due to his fiery temper and controversial moments, he also won admiration for his professionalism, commitment, and ability to bounce back from adversity.

After leaving Arsenal in the summer of 2023, Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga under the management of Xabi Alonso. The move proved to be a masterstroke for both club and player. In Germany, Xhaka reinvented himself, assuming a deep-lying playmaker role that allowed him to dictate tempo and control matches with precision passing and tactical intelligence. His presence proved crucial in Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 campaign, during which the club achieved a domestic treble winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal (German Cup), and the German Supercup. That season, Xhaka made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and providing seven assists, serving as both a midfield anchor and a calming influence on a relatively young team.

Xhaka’s return to England comes as a surprise to many observers not because of a lack of quality, but because of Sunderland’s ability to secure such a high-caliber signing. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland will pay 20 million euros for the veteran midfielder, a fee that reflects not only Xhaka’s recent success in Germany but also his enduring value as a leader and competitor. The club has offered him a three-year contract, underlining their belief that he can play a central role in the next phase of their journey.

Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League last season was the result of long-term rebuilding, smart recruitment, and the strong leadership of their coaching staff. However, survival and consolidation in the Premier League require more than momentum they require experience, especially in the center of the pitch. With Xhaka, Sunderland now have a seasoned professional who has played at the highest levels of European and international football. He brings with him Champions League and Europa League experience, and as captain of the Swiss national team, he has led his country in major tournaments, including the World Cup and the Euros.

From a tactical perspective, Xhaka is expected to slot into a deep midfield role, where his ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks will be complemented by his passing range and leadership. His arrival is likely to give younger midfielders in the Sunderland squad a valuable mentor on and off the pitch. Additionally, his presence in the dressing room could help raise standards and expectations across the squad traits that often go underappreciated in statistical analyses but are essential in building a winning culture.

The move also holds symbolic weight for Sunderland. After years in the lower tiers of English football, and a long struggle to regain their Premier League status, attracting a player of Xhaka’s stature sends a clear message: Sunderland are back, and they intend to stay. For Xhaka, it’s an opportunity to once again test himself in what is widely considered the toughest league in the world, and to contribute meaningfully to a new project where his influence will be immediate and profound.

Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, and ticket sales are reportedly spiking in response to the announcement. Club officials believe the deal will also help raise Sunderland’s profile internationally, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, where Xhaka enjoys significant popularity.

As pre-season gets underway, all eyes will be on how quickly Xhaka adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can help Sunderland make a smooth transition back to life in the Premier League. For now, one thing is certain: the Black Cats have landed a leader.