Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has made a huge impact this season.
The Swiss veteran has established himself as a vital part of Regis Le Bris’ squad on Wearside ever since he completed a high profile move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and has earned plaudits from far and wide for his influential presence in the centre of the park.
For his part, Ekitike has shone during a campaign that has often been challenging for Arne Slot’s defending champions, and took his tally for the season to 10 strikes in 21 top flight outings with a brace against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
And reflecting on Ekitike’s display over the weekend, Rooney was quick to pick out both him and Xhaka as the best new acquisitions of 2025/26.
What did Wayne Rooney say about Hugo Ekitike and Granit Xhaka?
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England international said: “Ekitike and [Granit] Xhaka at Sunderland have probably been the two best signings in the Premier League I really enjoy watching Ekitike play. His second goal [against Newcastle] in particular was brilliant, it reminds me of Romario. A little toe-poke goal but it’s instinctive.
“He is the type of player I like to watch. He’s not a number nine, he’s not a number 10. He drifts out wide, he gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals. So he’s got a bit of everything really.”
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This is not the first time that Rooney has singled out Xhaka for praise this term. Speaking late last year, the pundit said: "I feared for Sunderland at the start of the season. But I think the signings have come in and been excellent, the energy and the quality they are playing with as well. I think from the owner and the manager it has been very detailed what they have done.
"Xhaka has to be the signing of the season. He has always been a good player. I thought going into Sunderland he could struggle and it wouldn't be a good singing but he has been incredible. His ability to dictate the players and slow the play down. He has been brilliant."
At the time of writing, Xhaka is currently sidelined through injury, with Sunderland head coach Le Bris telling a recent press conference, the Sunderland head coach said: “Yes, he's doing well. He will have another assessment in around one week and from that point, we'll see where he is to define the next stage of its rehabilitation. So it should take probably three more weeks.”
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