Sunderland’s stunning Granit Xhaka coup: 5 facts about ex-Arsenal skipper’s trip to Wearside

Sunderland AFC pulled off a sensational transfer coup by signing Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, subject to international clearance, on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. 

The 32-year-old Swiss captain, who has spoken about the move, ranked 16th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the newly promoted Premier League side. 

Here are five key facts about Xhaka’s remarkable career and his move to Wearside.

Xhaka is no stranger to silverware, having won titles in Switzerland, England, and Germany. Starting at FC Basel, he secured back-to-back Swiss Super League titles in 2010 and 2011. 

At Arsenal, he lifted two Emirates FA Cups (2017, 2020) and two FA Community Shields, making 297 appearances with 23 goals and 29 assists. 

His crowning achievement came at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, where he played a decisive role in their invincible Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal double, showing his ability to thrive at the elite level.

Xhaka is a national icon, holding Switzerland’s all-time record with 137 caps since his debut in 2011. 

As captain since 2020, he has led the team in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and multiple UEFA European Championships. 

Named Swiss Footballer of the Year in 2017, 2022, and 2023, his leadership will be crucial for Sunderland, as he told the club media: “I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.”

Xhaka’s journey began at FC Concordia Basel before joining FC Basel’s academy at age 10. He rose through the ranks, winning the Swiss championship with a 100% record at the Under-15 level. 

His senior debut in 2010 saw him score within four minutes in a UEFA Champions League tie against Debreceni VSC. 

After shining at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he earned a 2014/15 Bundesliga Team of the Season nod, he became a fan favourite during his seven-year Arsenal stint, cementing his reputation as a versatile midfielder.

Xhaka’s 2023 move to Bayer Leverkusen under former Liverpool midfielder and Premier League icon Xabi Alonso was transformative. 

He was instrumental in their unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign, the first in the club’s history, and their DFB-Pokal triumph. 

His performances also propelled Leverkusen to the UEFA Europa League final, earning him a 16th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting. 

Sunderland’s Kristjaan Speakman called him “a player of the highest calibre,” making his arrival a bold statement of the club’s Premier League ambitions.

Upon signing, Xhaka expressed excitement about Sunderland’s project, stating, “When I spoke to the Club, I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It’s exactly what I wanted.” 

His decision to join a newly promoted side and wear the number 34 shirt reflects his belief in Sunderland’s goal to “write our own history.” 

Fans on X have hailed the move as “the signing of the decade,” setting the stage for Xhaka to become a Wearside legend.

Xhaka’s blend of experience, quality, and leadership makes his signing a defining moment for Sunderland’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign. 

With the club’s new home and away shirts now on sale, the anticipation for his impact is palpable as the Black Cats aim to make their mark.