(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

'Amazing' - Alan Smith blown away by something in particular Sunderland have done

Josh Edwards
Josh Edwards

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Sunderland have shocked everyone with the progress they have made this summer.

Sunderland will make their return to Premier League action for the first time in eight years in a little over a week, with a clash against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

It will be a new-look Black Cats XI that takes to the pitch, with the Wearsiders having spent over £130million so far, with no signs of stopping there.

Sunderland remain in the market for defensive arrivals and potentially another body up top, but Alan Smith is particularly impressed with one thing that they have done.

Regis Le Bris has been backed this summer (Credit: Imago)
Regis Le Bris has been backed this summer (Credit: Imago)

This story includes exclusive comment from Arsenal legend Alan Smith.

Granit Xhaka could be a game-changer for Sunderland

Against all odds, Sunderland were able to seal a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka in July, in a transfer that shocked everyone.

The experienced midfielder made his debut against Real Betis, and Smith believes he is the exact type of signing that the Black Cats needed to make.

In quotes provided to Mackem News by BestBettingSites, he said: "I think that was a coup for them getting Xhaka. He’s a really good personality, I think. Amazing experience.

ClubAppearancesYellow cardsDouble bookingRed cards
Arsenal2977605
Xhaka's record at Arsenal.

"He’ll be the leader on the pitch. I don’t know if he’s going to wear the armband, but he is a natural leader. So I think that was a coup for them.

"You need that kind of player in your team, similar maybe to Jordan Henderson at Brentford, somebody in the dressing room that knows exactly what it takes. So I think it has been a great signing for Sunderland."

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka
Xhaka has already impressed at Sunderland (Credit: Imago)

Xhaka's arrival could aid Mackems in transfer market

Xhaka's addition was huge for Sunderland, and to have such a high-profile figure at the club will do wonders when it comes to attracting more players in the coming weeks.

Sunderland still need a handful of new arrivals if they are to compete, but things are certainly looking promising ahead of the campaign.

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Granit Xhaka
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