The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London with Arsenal where he became a pivotal player for the side for a number of years. Saudi club Neom were previously linked with a big-money move for the Swiss star but Leverkusen’s demands were too high at around €15M.
Xhaka has played a key role for the Bundesliga side across his two seasons at the club, making 99 appearances and helping them to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 under now Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
Now, according to journalist David Ornstein the playmaker wants to make his Premier League return and he seems to be eyeing the newly promoted Black Cats as the perfect destination.
“Granit Xhaka informs Bayer Leverkusen he only wants to join Sunderland as club-to-club talks continue. Agreement now in place between 32yo & #SAFC. #Bayer04 asked by Switzerland midfielder to close deal rapidly. Negotiations ongoing.”
Reports suggest that new manager Erik ten Hag is said to be a major factor in his decision to leave the club as the Dutch tactician reshapes his side ahead of the new campaign. Xhaka would join the side with a mammoth 225 Premier League games next to his name, with a further 17 goals and 24 assists that may help Sunderland avoid relegation.
Ten Hag was appointed Leverkusen’s new head coach earlier this summer, succeeding Xabi Alonso and will now have to deal with the departure of Xhaka after already losing Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool in what is a huge headache for the former Manchester United boss.