Sunderland have completed the signing of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to €20 million. The agreement includes an initial €15 million payment, with up to €5 million in performance-based bonuses. Xhaka has signed a three-year contract that runs until June 2028.
The 32-year-old brings major experience to Sunderland, who return to the Premier League this season. Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, where he made 297 appearances and won two FA Cups.
Most recently, he helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023–24 season. Over two seasons in Germany, he played 99 matches and maintained a 90% pass accuracy last year.
Despite offers from Saudi and Italian clubs, Xhaka chose Sunderland after expressing a strong interest in joining the Black Cats. Bayer Leverkusen agreed to the move once their asking price was met, according to sporting director Simon Rolfes.
Xhaka becomes Sunderland’s seventh signing this summer, joining Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fée.
Manager Regis Le Bris described Xhaka as a vital addition for the club’s top-flight campaign. The midfielder is expected to undergo a medical within 48 hours and may appear in the friendly against Real Betis on August 2.
Sunderland will kick off their Premier League season at home against West Ham on August 16.
