Granit Xhaka
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has been handed the armband at newly promoted Sunderland for the 2025/26 Premier League season, despite joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen only a fortnight ago.
The 32-year-old Swiss international completed his move to Wearside on July 30 in a deal worth an initial £13 million, rising to £17 million with add-ons. His appointment as captain was confirmed by Sunderland on August 14, with head coach Régis Le Bris citing Xhaka’s leadership, maturity, and experience as crucial for navigating the challenges of top-flight football.
“In the Premier League, it will be important to have consistency, maturity, and experience. Granit brings all these qualities,” Le Bris said. “His behaviour so far has been very impressive, and on the field, you can see his influence. I recognised his captain potential after just 10 minutes in training.”
Xhaka arrives at the Stadium of Light on the back of a glittering spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the German side secure an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023/24 and reach the Europa League final. Before that, he spent seven seasons at Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and making 297 appearances.
Granit Xhaka, the new captain of Sunderland AFC! ❤️🫡
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 14, 2025
He famously lost the Gunners captaincy in 2019 following a clash with fans but revived his career under Mikel Arteta, while also leading Switzerland since 2020, holding a national record of 137 caps.
Speaking to the club’s official channels, Xhaka said: “It makes me incredibly proud to be captain of this club and this team. I hope to show my leadership on and off the pitch, helping my teammates in training and across the club. People who know me know what I stand for, I’m a winner, and I expect the same mentality from everyone around me.”
Sunderland’s leadership group will be finalised after the summer transfer window closes, but Xhaka will be the central figure in the dressing room. His appointment comes during a busy summer for the Black Cats, who have spent over £100 million on 11 new signings, including Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, and Simon Adingra as they prepare for their first Premier League campaign since 2016/17.
Xhaka’s first competitive outing as Sunderland skipper is set for Saturday’s season opener against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light, where his experience in high-pressure situations could be vital in helping the newly promoted side find their footing in the top tier.