Granit Xhaka 'stuns' Bayer Leverkusen, requests exit and eyes Premier League return

Experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka is reportedly on the verge of a surprise return to the Premier League, having informed Bayer Leverkusen of his intention to join Sunderland.

According to The Athletic, the 32-year-old has already reached an agreement with the Black Cats, who are playing their first season in the English top flight since the 2016-17 campaign following promotion.

Xhaka nears Premier League comeback

The proposed transfer is believed to be worth approximately £8.7m and is currently being negotiated between the two clubs. Xhaka is said to have requested that Leverkusen finalise the deal quickly, with the aim of joining Regis Le Bris’s squad in time for pre-season preparations.

Sunderland have reportedly offered the Switzerland international a three-year contract, despite his existing deal with the Bundesliga side running until 2027.

If the move goes through, it would mark Xhaka's return to English football two years after his departure from Arsenal, where he featured in 225 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 24 assists over a six-year spell.

Capped 137 times by Switzerland, including appearances at World Cups and European Championships, Xhaka would bring valuable experience to Sunderland’s squad, both on and off the pitch.

Xhaka’s potential exit would represent another significant departure for Bayer Leverkusen in the current transfer window. Under new manager Erik ten Hag, the German side have already seen Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong join Liverpool.

Sunderland invest heavily upon top-flight return

Sunderland have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market this summer, investing over £100m to bolster their squad ahead of their Premier League return. Notable signings so far include:

• Simon Adingra


• Habib Diarra


• Chemsdine Taibi


• Noah Sadiki


• Reinildo


• The permanent arrival of Enzo Le Fee, who had previously been on loan

The Wearside club also attempted to sign Armand Lauriente, but the proposed £17.5m deal reportedly collapsed due to contractual issues. The club’s spending has been partially offset by the sale of Jobe Bellingham — brother of Jude Bellingham — to Borussia Dortmund.

Should the transfer be finalised in the coming days, Xhaka could be available for Sunderland's upcoming friendlies against Hearts on Saturday or Hull City next Tuesday, although he is more likely to make his debut during the August pre-season fixtures against Real Betis, Augsburg and Rayo Vallecano.

Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign against West Ham United, while Xhaka’s reunion with Arsenal is scheduled for November.

This article was originally published on Trivela.