Sunderland have reportedly made an formidable transfer to carry Granit Xhaka again to the Premier League, with the membership for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.
Picture by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP by way of Getty Photos
The 32-year-old Swiss worldwide, who spent seven years at Arsenal earlier than transferring to Germany in 2023, is presently valued at £17m by his membership, however Sunderland’s curiosity hinges on whether or not the membership can decrease that payment additional.
Commercial
Keith Downie of confirmed that Sunderland are significantly pursuing the midfielder, with the membership desperate to safe a deal for the influential determine to assist them with their return to the Premier League.
Nonetheless, Bayer Leverkusen are eager to retain the midfielder, who has three years left on his contract, making negotiations tough.
The Black Cats’ curiosity isn’t with out competitors. that NEOM, a Saudi Professional League aspect, has additionally made a big bid for Xhaka, together with a “enormous proposal” to carry him to the Center East.
Picture by Lars Baron/Getty Photos
Negotiations are stated to be ongoing, and NEOM, who already signed Alexandre Lacazette, one other former Arsenal participant, as a part of their squad, may present stiff competitors for Sunderland within the race for Xhaka.
Commercial
Regardless of Sunderland’s ambition, the participant’s future stays unsure. With Leverkusen reportedly reluctantly prepared to let Xhaka depart this summer time for the best payment, the chance to safe the midfielder may nonetheless be inside Sunderland’s grasp.
The membership’s bid is claimed to incorporate a three-year contract, in addition to a €10m supply (approx. €64kpw).
Xhaka, who made 297 appearances for Arsenal, leaving a long-lasting legacy, could be an surprising however extremely vital addition to Sunderland’s midfield.
Picture by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP by way of Getty Photos
His expertise in each the Premier League and Bundesliga could be essential as Sunderland look to ascertain themselves again within the prime flight.
Commercial
The participant’s time at Arsenal was not with out controversy, however by the top of his tenure, he had earned widespread respect for his contributions, significantly through the 2022/23 season.
As Sunderland put together for what they hope can be a profitable Premier League return, their pursuit of Xhaka highlights their rising ambition to construct a squad able to making a direct influence.
Whether or not they can overcome competitors from NEOM and Leverkusen‘s calls for to seal the deal stays to be seen, however that is one to observe intently within the coming weeks.
Sunderland have already signed Habib Diarra (€31.5m), Simon Adingra (€24.4m), Enzo Le Payment (€23m), Chemsdine Talbi (€20m) and Noah Sadiki (€17m), with Armand Lauriente (€17m) additionally anticipated to hitch.