(image: Imago)

Sunderland gatecrash Wolves transfer bid for next new signing after Granit Xhaka

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

29 Jul 2025, 1:03 pm

Sunderland have wasted no time improving their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Regis Le Bris has brought in six new faces to date, including the permanent addition of Enzo Le Fee, who had a successful loan at the Black Cats last season.

On top of this, Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen after a deal was agreed.

However, the Black Cats are not willing to end their business here, and now look to beat fellow relegation rivals Wolves to a transfer.

Amine Adli is linked with a move to Sunderland (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland aim to beat Wolves to Amine Adli

Amine Adli also plays for Bayer Leverkusen. However, his importance in the squad diminished in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 25-year-old was crucial in the German outfit’s outstanding 2023/24 season, where he picked up 22 goal contributions in all competitions.

Since then, injuries have limited his game time, and now Leverkusen are open to a summer sale.

Adli had been a key Leverkusen player until he fractured his fibula
The Moroccan international played a major part in Leverkusen's Bundesliga and German Cup title victories
Adli is reportedly looking to move to England this summer

According to journalist Julien Laurens via X (29 July), Sunderland are prepared to compete with Wolves’ offer for the attacking midfielder.

Adli’s priority is to come to England, with the door now open for a potential sale.

However, Sunderland will prioritise finalising the deal for Xhaka before making a move for the 25-year-old.

Sunderland also going for Amine Adli now and competing with Wolves’ offer for the Bayer Leverkusen forward. Bayer are not against letting him go and his priority is to come to England. Sunderland will finalise Xhaka’ s deal first and then move for his former teammate Adli @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) July 29, 2025

Le Bris must be wary of Adli’s injury concerns

While the signing of Adli may look good, it would no doubt be a massive risk.

The Moroccan international fractured his fibula early in the 2024/25 campaign and has since struggled to regain his previous form.

Amine Adli stats at Bayer Leverkusen
Appearances	142
Goals	23
Assists	24

Adli has been at Leverkusen since 2021

While Le Bris may back himself to return Adli to his best, if this does not happen, it would be an expensive transfer blunder.

Hopefully, the manager accesses all of his options before he makes an offer to bring the attacking midfielder to the Stadium of Light.

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Granit Xhaka