(Credit: Imago)

Josh Edwards

Fri 17 April 2026 11:59, UK

Granit Xhaka was put forward for the signing of the season in the Premier League for his contributions at Sunderland.

Going back 12 months, if someone had told you that Sunderland were looking to qualify for Europe ahead of the final six games of the season, you may well have been sectioned.

But that is the reality facing the Black Cats, which is a testament to the work done by all involved at the Stadium of Light.

Whether it be Regis Le Bris, Florent Ghisolfi or Kristjaan Speakman, they have all played their part in getting the Wearsiders in the position they find themselves in now.

And the summer recruits have also had a huge say, with Xhaka in particular earning immense praise from pundits on a weekly basis, and that isn’t stopping anytime soon.

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Paul Scholes names Granit Xhaka as signing of the season

Sunderland have several candidates for that alone, but Xhaka is certainly right up there.

Since arriving from Leverkusen in the summer, the former Arsenal captain has played an integral role on and off the pitch, and his impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Xhaka has earned praise almost every time he has stepped on the pitch, with Paul Scholes suggesting him as a candidate for the signing of the season, to which both Roy Keane and Ian Wright agreed.

Via The Overlap, Keane said: “He’s been brilliant.”

Wright added: “For me and for Sunderland, and how important it was for Sunderland to stay up, yeah, I’d go with Granit. He’s been magnificent for them.”

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Sunderland must repeat Xhaka trick this summer

While you can say this about several players, Sunderland would not be anywhere near where they are today without Xhaka, and that is the biggest compliment you can give him.

The Swiss international’s experience of the Premier League has been crucial, and if the Black Cats are to progress again next season, they need a signing of a similar ilk.

And given the campaign they have had, they may find it considerably easier to attract a player of that calibre, especially if they can make it into the European spaces ahead of the final six games of the season.

For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.