(Credit: Manh Tung)

Granit Xhaka disciplinary record ahead of Sunderland transfer after fiery Arsenal spell

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

29 Jul 2025, 10:30 am

Granit Xhaka is on the verge of joining Sunderland in what must be regarded as their signing of the summer.

The Black Cats have already spent north of £100million, but they are busy trying to complete further deals.

While there were hurdles to clear, Sunderland and Bayer Leverkusen eventually agreed on a fee to pave a Premier League return.

Many will remember the Swiss international for his heated moments, and Mackem News dives into his disciplinary record.

Sunderland-linked midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The midfielder is set to play at the Stadium of Light (Credit: Imago & Manh Tung)

Xhaka's disciplinary record assessed ahead of Premier League return

Xhaka's statistics have been analysed ahead of his Premier League comeback, and they make for impressive reading.

Furthermore, the 32-year-old ranked 16th in last season's Ballon d’Or rankings, which highlights how he has thrived in his thirties.

Xhaka has previous against Newcastle United, having won eight of his 11 appearances against them, while scoring once.

In terms of his discipline, the Switzerland international has improved on the fiery reputation he once had while at Arsenal.

Club	Appearances	Yellow cards	Double booking	Red cards
FC Basel	67	10	0	0
Borussia Mochengladbach	140	35	5	1
Arsenal	297	76	0	5
Bayer Leverkusen	99	15	0	0

Xhaka's disciplinary record by club

During his time with the Gunners, the central midfielder collected five straight red cards while picking up 76 yellow cards in all competitions.

Xhaka picked up 10 yellow cards in a single league season on four occasions in North London and received a maximum of two red cards in a single Premier League campaign.

However, in Germany, the 32-year-old was more disciplined, having picked up a total of 15 yellows without receiving a single red.

Xhaka is primed for a Premier League return (Credit: Imago)

Xhaka ready for mature Sunderland role

Judging from his recent statistics, Xhaka is set for a mature role within Regis Le Bris' side.

The central midfielder will almost certainly slot straight into the starting lineup as a senior figure.

Sunderland are a young team and will need guidance in the top flight, which is where the former Arsenal man comes in.

Not only does he have substantial Premier League experience, but he also helped Leverkusen lift their first-ever Bundesliga trophy.

Xhaka will know that the Wearsiders cannot go without him at key moments and seems to have addressed any disciplinary concerns.

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Granit Xhaka