Sunderland have agreed a fee worth up to $23.3 million for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, marking the newly-promoted Premier League club\'s most significant signing of the transfer window.
The Athletic reported that Sunderland will pay $20.7 million upfront with $2.6 million in potential add-ons. Xhaka is scheduled for a medical within 24 to 48 hours after informing Leverkusen he only wanted to join the Stadium of Light side.
The 32-year-old Switzerland captain had options to remain in Germany or move to Saudi Arabia. He chose Sunderland despite being under contract with Leverkusen until 2028.
Xhaka helped Leverkusen capture their first Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in 2023-24. He made 99 appearances for the German club after joining from Arsenal in 2023, including 10 Champions League matches last season.
The midfielder spent seven years at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice in 2017 and 2020. He made 297 appearances during his time in North London before moving to Germany.
The signing represents a departure from Sunderland\'s youth-focused transfer policy under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The club has spent over $138 million this summer on five players, with 25-year-old Enzo Le Fee previously being the eldest acquisition.
Sunderland have also sold midfielder Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for $41.4 million and Tommy Watson to Brighton for $13.8 million. The club have added six players total as they prepare for Premier League return.
Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign at home against West Ham United on August 16.