Sunderland sign former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen

Sunderland have completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract.

The 32-year-old midfielder arrives on Wearside having spent two years with Leverkusen and was part of their impressive 2023-24 season, where they were crowned Bundesliga champions and lifted the DFB-Pokal.

Xhaka made 49 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen last season, including 10 in the Champions League.

Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Granit Xhaka, who joins on a three-year deal from Bayer 04 Leverkusen! ❤️✍️

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 30, 2025

He began his career at Basel before joining Borussia Monchengladbach and boasts Premier League pedigree having spent seven years at Arsenal following a move to north London in 2016, where he made 225 league appearances and won the FA Cup twice.

A Switzerland international, Xhaka has captained the team since 2020 and is their record appearance holder with 137 caps.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have.

“It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.

“I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.

“We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.”

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We’re delighted to welcome Granit and his family to Sunderland.

“His arrival is a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a