Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a return to the Premier League, with Sunderland in advanced talks to sign the Swiss midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old is said to favour a move to the Stadium of Light, having already agreed personal terms with the Black Cats. Reports suggest Xhaka has instructed Leverkusen to negotiate exclusively with the newly promoted side.
Xhaka previously spent seven years at Arsenal after joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016. He returned to Germany in two years ago, signing a five-year deal with Leverkusen in July 2023.
The veteran midfielder played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 campaign, helping the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title run and a German Cup triumph.
He also lifted the German Super Cup and scored six goals in 99 appearances for Die Werkself, including two in 33 league matches last season.
Should the deal go through, Xhaka could become Sunderland’s seventh signing of the summer. The North East club have already spent £107 million on Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Tabi and Reinildo Mandrava.
The Blacks are preparing for their return to the Premier League after eight yeas and will host Everton in their opening game on 18 August.
