Granit Xhaka explains the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen and sign for Sunderland

Granit Xhaka explains the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen and sign for Sunderland

Granit Xhaka Opens Up on Sunderland Move: “The Biggest Challenge of My Career”

Granit Xhaka has spoken for the first time about his decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen and join newly-promoted Sunderland, describing the switch as the “biggest challenge” of his career so far.

The 32-year-old midfielder joins the Premier League side on a three-year deal, with Sunderland paying an initial £13 million and up to £4 million in potential add-ons. Xhaka will wear the number 34 shirt.

A Proven Winner

Xhaka arrives with a wealth of experience, having made 225 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and captaining Switzerland a record 137 times.

He lifted two FA Cups during his time in North London and played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 season, where they won both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal without losing a single game. His efforts earned him a 16th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Speaking about his decision, Xhaka said:

“I’m proud to be here. From the moment I spoke to the club, I felt the energy and ambition. This is exactly the project I wanted. We want to write a new chapter and stay in the Premier League — where this club belongs. I’m here to bring experience and quality, but also hunger to achieve more.”

Club and Manager Reactions

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hailed Xhaka’s signing as a major statement of intent:

“Bringing in someone of Granit’s calibre reflects our ambition. His leadership, professionalism, and quality are a perfect match for what we’re building.”

Head coach Régis Le Bris added:

“When a player of Granit’s stature commits to your project, it says a lot. He brings balance, leadership, and experience — exactly what this squad needs as we return to the Premier League.”

A Career of Achievements

Xhaka began his career at FC Basel, breaking into the first team as a teenager and winning back-to-back Swiss league titles.

He then joined Borussia Mönchengladbach, earning a place in the 2014–15 Bundesliga Team of the Season, before signing with Arsenal in 2016.

Over seven years in North London, Xhaka made 297 appearances, scored 23 goals, and contributed 29 assists. After moving to Leverkusen in 2023, he helped Xabi Alonso’s team to their first-ever Bundesliga title and second DFB-Pokal, going the entire domestic season unbeaten and reaching the Europa League final.

Internationally, Xhaka has been a cornerstone of the Swiss national team since 2011, appearing at three World Cups and winning Swiss Footballer of the Year three times (2017, 2022, 2023).

Looking Ahead

Now with Sunderland, Xhaka is ready to embrace the challenge:

“It’s a different type of pressure, but I believe in this team. I’ve played in England before — I know the demands. This is about creating something new, building with the right mix of young talent and experience.

I’m not done yet — I still have big goals and I’m ready to lead by example.”

He added:

“This team will fight from the first whistle to the last. With the fans behind us, we can achieve something special.”

Sunderland’s 2025–26 home and away kits featuring Xhaka’s number 34 are now available for sale.