Sunderland Nears £17m Signing of Experienced Swiss Midfielder Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka's anticipated signing by Sunderland is seen as a transformative moment for the club, bringing Premier League experience and leadership to a squad that has lacked top-flight exposure. The 32-year-old Swiss midfielder, who spent seven years at Arsenal and most recently played for Bayer Leverkusen, has made 225 Premier League appearances and captained Switzerland since 2020. Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini and local analysts praise Xhaka's tenacity, physicality, and ability to elevate team standards, marking him as a key figure who fits the club's competitive and combative ethos. His arrival is expected to intensify competition for midfield places and signal Sunderland's ambition to compete at a higher level, potentially attracting other high-profile players. However, Xhaka's career has also been marked by a notable disciplinary record, including multiple red cards and a controversial incident at Arsenal, though his recent seasons in Germany saw improvements. Overall, Sunderland fans and management view Xhaka as a signing that not only strengthens the team but also repositions the club's status within European football.