Sunderland fans will love what Jermain Defoe told Granit Xhaka before sealing transfer
Sunderland have arguably got a leader on their hands in Granit Xhaka this transfer window.
The Black Cats signed the ex-Arsenal captain from Bayer Leverkusen for a package deal worth £17.3million.
Regis Le Bris’ team will be looking to survive Premier League relegation next season, and the Switzerland international’s arrival will definitely boost their chances.
Jermain Defoe was someone the 32-year-old got in touch with before sealing his return to the English top flight, and the former striker had nothing but positive things to say about the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland a sleeping Premier League giant
Xhaka took advice from Defoe about where he could live before completing his move to Sunderland.
The 32-year-old midfielder also asked what the club was like, and the ex-Black Cat praised the atmosphere and fanbase at the Stadium of Light.
Defoe also believes the Wearside outfit are a sleeping giant as they return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
- Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season.
- Xhaka won the league title with the German outfit.
- The midfielder also won two FA Cups with Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on X (8 August), the 42-year-old said: “He’s a nice guy, family man. And he reached out to me and said, ‘Looks like I’m going to sign for Sunderland. Is there anywhere I can live?’ It was important to his wife and kids. I was just pointing him in the right direction.
“And he obviously spoke to me about the club, and I said it’s a sleeping giant. It’s a Premier League club at the end of the day. When it’s going well there, it’s one of the better places to play football. The atmosphere and the fanbase are huge. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it.”
Le Bris to fight against the odds at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland have been tipped to finish last in the Premier League by Opta’s supercomputer, but fans will have higher hopes for them.
The Black Cats have made a significant investment in their squad this summer, with nine players being signed so far.
Former Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Enzo Le Fee are some of the reinforcements the Wearside outfit have spent a hefty fee on.
Sunderland have arguably been more proactive than Leeds United and Burnley in the transfer market, which should give them an edge over the two other promoted teams next season.
| Premier League table | Points |
| 18. Leicester City | 25 |
| 19. Ipswich Town | 22 |
| 20. Southampton | 12 |
Xhaka will add some much-needed Premier League experience to Le Bris’ squad.
The Swiss national also comes with the pedigree of winning the Bundesliga title, and supporters will be looking forward to seeing what he can do in SR5.
While the Black Cats will be fighting against the odds to survive, the mood around the Stadium of Light will undoubtedly be positive after the summer window they’ve had.
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