Granit Xhaka
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is on the brink of a move to the Saudi Pro League, having reached a verbal agreement in principle with newly promoted side NEOM SC, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
The 32-year-old Swiss international, currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, is now the subject of ongoing talks between NEOM and the Bundesliga club over a potential transfer worth approximately €12 million (£10.1m). Plettenberg reports that Xhaka has agreed to a lucrative contract with NEOM worth €10 million (£8.4m) net per year, underlining the club’s serious financial muscle and growing ambitions in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
NEOM, backed by substantial investment, are looking to make a major statement in their debut Saudi Pro League campaign. The club’s official bid for Xhaka was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with negotiations now said to be progressing swiftly. NEOM are confident of finalising the deal in the coming days.
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Xhaka’s potential departure comes after a stellar two-year spell at Leverkusen, where he was instrumental in their historic 2023/24 Bundesliga title and domestic double under Xabi Alonso. His leadership remained crucial during the 2024/25 season, even as Leverkusen missed out on back-to-back league titles.
Granit Xhaka
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (Image credit: Getty Images)
With the arrival of new Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag, questions about Xhaka’s long-term role at the club have surfaced, further fuelling the likelihood of a transfer. NEOM’s sporting project, led by former PSG coach Christophe Galtier, has already attracted high-profile names including ex-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. The addition of Xhaka would further strengthen their midfield and bring invaluable top-level experience.
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While AC Milan, Juventus, and Fenerbahçe have all shown interest, NEOM’s financial package appears to have given them a clear edge in negotiations. Xhaka’s willingness to reunite with former teammate Lacazette and lead a new challenge in Saudi Arabia is also seen as a key factor in his decision.
Granit Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, making 297 appearances, scoring 23 goals, and providing 29 assists. He won two FA Cups and two Community Shields, and underwent a transformation in North London, from a divisive figure and former captain stripped of the armband in 2019, to a fan favourite under Mikel Arteta. His £21.5m move to Leverkusen in 2023 revived his career, and a switch to NEOM would now mark the beginning of a new chapter in his decorated journey.
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