Granit Xhaka moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and had a brilliant first season with the German club. They went unbeaten domestically and won the double under Xabi Alonso, with Xhaka playing a key role in the club’s midfield.
Last season wasn’t quite as good but the 32-year-old still had a part to play, appearing in almost every minute he was available for. There’s been a lot of transfer talk surrounding the player in recent weeks, and now Sunderland have been linked in what is a surprise development.
AC Milan had been keen on a deal and working to get somewhere with Bayer Leverkusen, but weren’t able to. Then Saudi Arabia side Neom moved into the picture, although it wasn’t clear whether Xhaka himself would be up for such a move.
Sacha Tavolieri now reports Sunderland are in talks to take the former Arsenal captain, and it’s stated they’ve offered him a three year deal. The veteran has three years left on his Bayer Leverkusen contract so would want the same time period.
Tavolieiri reports Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is in talks over a €10m transfer fee.