Granit Xhaka returned to the Premier League on Wednesday and moved to the newly promoted Sunderland.
The former Arsenal captain joined Bayer Leberkusen and signed a three-year contract with the Light of Light.
The 32-year-old Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal where he won two FA Cups before moving to Germany, helping Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga title in 2024 as part of a league and cup double.
In Sunderland, his main job is to help the club avoid relegation.
“We’re back where this club is needed and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel ready to help the team with my own experience, but there is also quality,” Xhaka said.
Xhaka is the Swiss captain and has won 137 caps in his country.
Sunderland sports director Kristjaan Speakman said Xhaka’s signature is “a key supporter of our ambitions and our desire to build a team our supporters are proud of in the Premier League.”
“There’s little need to be introduced to his achievements and quality. He’s the highest caliber player on and off the field,” Speakman said.
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There’s James Robson https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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