Sunderland have reached a transfer agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka in a deal valued at £17 million, comprising £13m upfront and £4m in performance-related add-ons, according to BBC Sport. The 32-year-old is preparing to undergo a medical and finalize a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, marking his return to England after a successful two-season spell in Germany.

Xhaka, who previously played for Arsenal between 2016 and 2023, made 297 appearances for the Gunners and lifted two FA Cup trophies. Despite briefly serving as club captain, his departure came after a standout Bundesliga campaign with Leverkusen, where he became a key figure under former manager Xabi Alonso and contributed to the club's maiden league title in 2024. His exit from Leverkusen is linked to the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager, prompting a tactical reshuffle.

The transfer pushes Sunderland's net summer expenditure to £114m, though they have offset costs through the sales of Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, which netted £37m. Having secured Premier League promotion via May's Championship playoff final, the club now ranks second-highest in spending among newly promoted sides, trailing only the established "big six" teams.

Xhaka will join fellow summer arrivals Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Simon Adingra as the Black Cats' eighth signing of the window. Manager Regis Le Bris continues to bolster his squad ahead of the new season, signaling ambition to compete in the top flight after a six-year absence.

The Swiss international's Premier League familiarity, coupled with his recent Bundesliga success, positions him as a critical addition for Sunderland as they aim to solidify their status in England's top tier.

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