# Granit Xhaka Sunderland: Shock Premier League Return on the Cards for Leverkusen Star

The latest transfer rumour mill has produced a truly stunning story, with a potential **Granit Xhaka Sunderland** move being reported as the newly-promoted club eyes a sensational Premier League return for the midfielder. Just a year after leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen, where he became an integral part of an invincible, title-winning side, the Swiss international is now being linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light. While the move seems audacious on the surface, Sunderland are reportedly serious about making a statement upon their return to the top flight, and landing a player of Xhaka’s calibre would be the ultimate declaration of intent.

The reports suggest that the Black Cats are preparing for life after their own midfield prodigy, Jobe Bellingham. The younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is attracting significant interest from several top clubs, and Sunderland are bracing for a substantial offer they may not be able to refuse. Should Bellingham depart, it would leave a gaping hole in their midfield, both in terms of technical quality and creative drive. The club’s hierarchy has identified Xhaka as an ambitious but ideal replacement, a player who could provide instant leadership, experience, and control to a team that will be fighting for survival.

### The Audacity of Ambition

For a newly-promoted side, targeting a player who has just completed one of modern football’s greatest fairytale seasons is incredibly bold. Granit Xhaka was the heartbeat of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen team, a side that went the entire domestic season unbeaten to clinch the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. His experience and tactical intelligence were pivotal to their success. The prospect of him swapping Champions League football for a potential relegation battle with Sunderland seems far-fetched. However, the allure of the Premier League is strong, and the project at Sunderland, a historically massive club returning to the big time, could be a unique challenge that appeals to a player who has already achieved so much.

## Is a Granit Xhaka Sunderland Transfer Realistic?

Analysing the feasibility of this transfer requires looking beyond the initial shock. Several factors are at play, from financial considerations to the player’s own motivations. While a significant transfer fee would be required to prize him away from the German champions, Sunderland are expected to have a considerable budget, potentially bolstered by the sale of Bellingham.

#### Financial Firepower and Player Motivation

The primary hurdle is undoubtedly financial. Xhaka is on a significant wage at Leverkusen, and the German club would demand a hefty fee for a player who was so crucial to their historic campaign. They are under no pressure to sell. However, the Premier League’s financial muscle is unmatched, and Sunderland could potentially structure a deal that is attractive to both club and player.

From Xhaka’s perspective, the move would represent a return to the league where he spent seven years with Arsenal. His time in North London was a rollercoaster, featuring FA Cup triumphs but also a notoriously difficult relationship with the fanbase, which culminated in him being stripped of the captaincy. He may feel he has unfinished business in England and a point to prove. A successful spell leading Sunderland to safety would be a remarkable final chapter to his Premier League story.

#### Competition from Afar

Sunderland are not the only club reportedly monitoring Xhaka’s situation. Whispers of lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League have also surfaced, presenting a vastly different but financially compelling alternative. The decision may ultimately come down to whether Xhaka prioritises a final competitive challenge in Europe’s toughest league or a financially rewarding move to the Middle East.

### A Transformed Player

The Granit Xhaka of 2024 is a different beast from the one who left Arsenal. Under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage at Leverkusen, he has evolved into one of Europe’s most effective deep-lying playmakers. His discipline, positional awareness, and decision-making have improved immeasurably. As detailed in extensive analysis of Leverkusen’s incredible season, Xhaka was the metronome of the team, dictating the tempo and providing the foundation for their attacking brilliance. This is the player Sunderland hopes to acquire—a seasoned leader at the peak of his powers, capable of elevating the entire squad.

While the odds may seem long, the **Granit Xhaka Sunderland** link is a testament to the club’s ambition. Securing his signature would be one of the most surprising transfers of the summer, but it would instantly provide the Black Cats with the quality and experience needed to compete in the Premier League. As the transfer window progresses, this is one story that fans will be watching with bated breath. For all the latest developments, be sure to check back here for more news.