(Credit: Imago/Bayer 04 YT)

Schick makes startling Xhaka admission after Sunderland announcement

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.

Published on:

01 Aug 2025, 1:30 am

Granit Xhaka is the latest arrival at Sunderland ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Sunderland's transfer business so far this summer has raised eyebrows all around the country, and the addition of Xhaka only amplified that.

The 32-year-old signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light after an agreement was reached with Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £17million.

However, while his arrival has sent optimism through the veins of those on Wearside, it has left those back in Germany bemused by the transfer.

Xhaka became Sunderland's seventh summer arrival (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Xhaka's departure labelled as bigger than Florian Wirtz's

Leverkusen have had their side dismantled this summer, with Xhaka just one of many players to have moved on elsewhere, with Xabi Alonso also departing.

Both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong joined Liverpool, while Jonathan Tah made the move to title rivals Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen departures (Permanent)	Club
Granit Xhaka	Sunderland
Florian Wirtz	Liverpool
Jeremie Frimpong	Liverpool
Odilon Kossounou	Atalanta
Gustavo Puerta	Hull
Jonathan Tah	Bayern
Xabi Alonso (manager)	Real Madrid

Leverkusen have lost many key figures this summer.

News also emerged connecting Sunderland with a move for Amine Adli, but it seems as though the damage to the Bundesliga side has already been done, and Czech international Patrick Schick thinks that Sunderland have caused the most.

In quotes reported by Blick, Schick said: "I think [Xhaka's] the biggest loss.

The Leverkusen forward went on to describe how Xhaka was "the most important player for the entire team" due to his leadership and experience on the pitch.

Regis Le Bris has been backed in the market (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland need more Xhaka-esque signings

If the Black Cats are to compete in the Premier League, they need experience, leadership and ability; all three things that will be used to describe Xhaka.

As big as his addition will prove to be, Sunderland could certainly do with one or two more players of that profile in the coming weeks.

The addition of a new centre back and forward remains a priority for the Wearsiders, who will no doubt have several targets in mind.

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Granit Xhaka