David Ornstein confirms Granit Xhaka return to the Premier League

David Ornstein has revealed that former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a sensational return to the Premier League

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a sensational return to the Premier League, with reports indicating that the Swiss midfielder has informed Bayer Leverkusen of his desire to join newly promoted Sunderland.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Xhaka has reached a full agreement on personal terms with the Black Cats and is now pushing for Leverkusen to finalise his transfer to the Stadium of Light. The 32-year-old, who has three years remaining on his current deal in Germany, is said to be prioritising a move to work under Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, despite receiving offers from Saudi side Neom SC and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Xhaka has played a key role at Leverkusen since his £21.5 million move from Arsenal in 2023, helping the club to a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double under former manager Xabi Alonso. He has made 99 appearances for the German side, earning plaudits for his leadership and consistency in midfield.

Sunderland, keen to make a statement ahead of their Premier League return, have already been active in the transfer window with six new signings, including midfielders Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki, as well as wingers Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, and full-back Reinildo. The addition of Xhaka, a 137-cap Swiss international with 297 Premier League appearances and two FA Cup titles during his time at Arsenal, would mark a major coup for the North East club.

Discussions between Sunderland and Leverkusen are ongoing, with the German side initially rejecting the Black Cats’ opening offer. Leverkusen reportedly value Xhaka at around €20 million (£17.3 million), and Sunderland are expected to return with an improved bid in the coming days.

publicly expressed a desire to retain Xhaka but admitted that a “win-win” scenario could see the midfielder depart. The club is undergoing a period of transition following the departures of Alonso, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, with former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag now tasked with reshaping the squad.

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