With the likes of AC Milan and Inter keen to sign the Swiss star, it is Sunderland who have seemingly won the race for the 32-year-old playmaker as reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
“EXCLUSIVE: Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed between all parties involved.
“Understand fee will be €20m, contract until 2027.
“Green light from Bayer Leverkusen for the player to fly today and complete his move to #SAFC, one more ambitious signing.”
The move has moved smoothly in recent weeks, as Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes commented on the deal in the past few days in an interview quoted in the German media.
“A decision will be made this week. Granit’s side is aware of the conditions under which a transfer is possible. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll stay.”
Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has spelled out his desire to keep Xhaka, but it looks like he is desperate for a return to the Premier League where he will face his former side Arsenal when the two sides meet for the first time in early November. Leverkusen will now have to scout the transfer market to find Xhaka's replacement which could be a difficult task with limited options and time as the season approaches.