Sunderland AFC has sent shockwaves through the European football landscape with the sensational acquisition of midfield maestro Granit Xhaka, beating out formidable competition from Italian giants AC Milan and the ambitious Saudi Pro League club NEOM SC. This blockbuster transfer, reportedly valued at a significant £17 million, marks a pivotal moment for the Black Cats as they strategically bolster their squad.
Xhaka, a seasoned international known for his commanding presence and exceptional passing range, expressed immense pride in joining Sunderland. During negotiations, he was particularly struck by what he described as “the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have,” indicating a strong belief in the club’s vision and its dedicated community.
The pursuit of Xhaka was highly contested, with numerous reports suggesting that the Swiss international had even reached a preliminary agreement with NEOM SC, highlighting the global interest in his services. However, despite the lucrative offers from the burgeoning Saudi league, it was ultimately Sunderland who successfully navigated the complex transfer landscape to secure the midfielder’s highly sought-after signature.
Sunderland AFC officially confirmed the signing in a statement, expressing their delight in welcoming Xhaka to the Stadium of Light, pending international clearance. The club announced that the midfielder arrives from Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee, with Xhaka committing to a three-year contract, underscoring the long-term commitment from both parties.
Esteemed football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano subsequently revealed the true financial scale of the deal, confirming a transfer fee in the region of €20 million, approximately £17 million. This figure significantly surpasses earlier speculative reports that had pegged the transfer at a mere €10 million, demonstrating Sunderland’s resolve and investment in securing a player of Xhaka’s caliber.
Upon finalizing his contract, Xhaka conveyed an impassioned message directly to the passionate Black Cats faithful. He emphasized the club’s momentous return to the Premier League, affirming his belief that this is precisely “where the team needs to be,” setting an ambitious tone for the upcoming season and beyond.
The former Arsenal player further articulated his confidence in the team’s ability to swiftly integrate and perform at the highest level. He optimistically noted, “We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem,” suggesting a seamless transition and immediate impact for his new club.
Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s astute sporting director, lauded Xhaka’s arrival as a “significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team our supporters can be proud of.” This statement reinforces the club’s strategic intent to compete at the highest echelons of English football and deliver a team that resonates deeply with its loyal fanbase.
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