Premier League new boys, Sunderland, are set to strengthen significantly after agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to bring Grant Xhaka to the club.
Bayer Leverkusen were hesitant to let the midfielder leave after already losing key players Floriant Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah this summer.
However, Xhaka was very keen on a move and along with his agent, was determined to push a transfer through to Sunderland.
The deal to take the veteran Swiss international to the North East of England is worth £13m, with the fee rising to £17m through potential add-ons.
The former Arsenal player arrived in Sunderland yesterday to undergo his medical and finalise his return to the Premier League after two years spent in Germany.
For Regis Le Bris’ side, this has the potential to be a very impactful signing as Xhaka brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a group of players that will largely be unaccustomed to competing in the Premier League.
The 32-year-old has represented Switzerland 137 times and featured at six major tournaments for the nation.
At club level, he was part of Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal triumph in the 2022/23 campaign, where the side went unbeaten on route to winning the two domestic trophies.
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How much have Sunderland spent this summer?
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Xhaka’s £17m move to The Black Cats will take his new club’s spending in this summer transfer window to £114m.
The midfielder’s arrival follows the notable additions of Habib Diarra (£30m) from Strasbourg, Simon Adingra (£21m) from Brighton and Noah Sadiki (£15m) from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Enzo Le Fee (£19m) joins on a permanent deal from AS Roma after spending the second half of last season at the club.
Le Bris is looking to continue adding to his Sunderland squad, as a potential £20m deal for Bologna centre-back John Lucumi is being discussed.
Also, the club is looking at potentially bringing in youngsters Matias Siltanen, Suaibo Jassi and Pietro Comuzzo.
Sunderland’s desire to spend big after being promoted from the Championship highlights the club’s desire to fight off immediate relegation and become an established Premier League club again.
Previously, newly promoted Premier League clubs have been hesitant to spend large amount on new signings due to concerns about finances should immediate relegation back to the Championship occur.
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