London, UK – July 15, 2025 — Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a surprise return to the English Premier League, with Championship side Sunderland reportedly offering the Switzerland international a lucrative three-year deal in a bold move to secure his services ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, has attracted strong interest this summer following his exceptional role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win last season. According to Sky Sports Belgium, Sunderland have tabled a formal offer to the German club and opened negotiations, with the proposed transfer fee believed to be in the region of €10 million.
Xhaka’s potential return to England is generating massive buzz, particularly among Arsenal and Premier League fans, who remember him as a combative and passionate midfielder who wore the captain’s armband during some of the Gunners’ transitional years. His leadership, passing range, and aggressive midfield presence made him a fan favourite, despite a sometimes polarizing relationship with supporters and the media.
Since departing The Emirates Stadium in 2023, Xhaka has reinvented himself in the Bundesliga. Under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso, the Swiss international became a key cog in Leverkusen’s midfield — guiding the club to an unbeaten season, their first-ever German league title, and a place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Now, just two years later, Xhaka appears to be weighing up his next move, with Sunderland emerging as unexpected frontrunners. The Black Cats, currently preparing for a promotion push in the Championship, have made a statement of intent by targeting a player of Xhaka’s pedigree.
The club, which has recently undergone major structural and financial transformation under new ownership, sees Xhaka as a leader who can anchor their midfield and help guide their youthful squad back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Sources close to Sunderland’s recruitment department suggest that the three-year contract offer includes competitive wages, performance-related bonuses, and an optional player-coach transition role after the second year — a package that demonstrates how serious the club is about building for long-term success.
However, Sunderland are not alone in the race.
According to reports from the Middle East, Saudi Pro League side Neom SC have also made contact with Xhaka’s representatives. The newly-promoted Saudi side is part of the league’s latest wave of ambitious clubs seeking to lure top European talents with massive salary offers. Neom SC are said to be offering the former Arsenal man a two-year deal worth over €18 million in guaranteed salary, with additional commercial incentives.
Despite the financial allure of the Saudi offer, sources close to the player say Xhaka is leaning towards a move that offers competitive football and a chance to reestablish himself in England. His family is also said to be comfortable in Europe, having spent over seven years living in London before the Leverkusen move.
Speaking after Leverkusen’s title celebrations earlier this year, Xhaka hinted at a possible return to England when asked about unfinished business in the Premier League.
“England will always feel like a second home. I have a lot of memories there — good and bad — but mostly growth. You never say never in football,” he said in an interview with German outlet Kicker.
If the move to Sunderland materialises, it would mark one of the Championship’s most high-profile transfers in recent history and a major coup for manager Michael Beale, who has been tasked with rebuilding the club around experience and discipline.
Sunderland’s recruitment over the last two windows has focused heavily on emerging talents from the English lower leagues and foreign youth academies. But the potential addition of a seasoned international with over 100 caps for Switzerland and experience at the highest levels of club football could bring the much-needed balance and leadership to their dressing room.
Fans have taken to social media to express excitement over the reports, with hashtags like #XhakaToSunderland trending across X (formerly Twitter) in both the UK and Switzerland. Some Arsenal supporters have even chimed in, reminiscing about Xhaka’s time in North London and expressing hope he finds success in whatever decision he makes.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen have yet to issue an official comment on the negotiations, though club insiders suggest they would be open to letting Xhaka leave this summer if he expresses a desire to move, especially given the club’s recent signings in midfield.
As things stand, Sunderland appear to have the advantage in terms of footballing appeal and long-term vision, but Neom SC’s financial firepower remains a factor. Xhaka is expected to make a decision in the coming days after meeting with both clubs’ representatives and consulting his family.
Should he opt for Sunderland, the Black Cats will not only gain a Champions League-experienced midfielder but also signal their return as a serious force aiming to reclaim their place in English football’s top flight.
Stay with Africa Live News for more updates as the story develops.
