Amid alternative interest from Saudi Arabian club Neom FC and Turkish side Fenerbahce, Xhaka has indicated a strong desire to return to the Premier League and a willingness to join Sunderland.
The 32-year-old does not want to end his career in Saudi Arabia, and regards a move to England as a much more attractive option than a switch to Turkey. Xhaka spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and also appearing in a Europa League final.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Xhaka’s agent, Jose Noguera, said: “We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland. Granit wants to return to the Premier League.
“Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”
Despite his age, Sunderland are understood to have offered Xhaka a three-year contract on Wearside as they feel his technical ability and leadership qualities could be invaluable as they look to reestablish themselves in the top-flight.
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Earlier this summer, Kristjaan Speakman said the Black Cats were willing to “tweak” the recruitment policy that had served them so well in the Championship, and signing Xhaka would be an acknowledgment that Regis Le Bris’ youthful squad would benefit from some Premier League experience and leadership.
Xhaka, who boasts almost 600 senior appearances in his club career, has previously captained Arsenal, and is the current skipper of the Swiss national team, boasting 137 caps.
Sunderland’s recruitment team are now attempting to wrap up a deal with Leverkusen, with talks over a fee and how payment would be structured ongoing.
Neom FC reportedly tabled a bid of around €8m last week, but that was rejected, with Leverkusen reportedly valuing Xhaka at closer to €15m. The Bundesliga club paid €25m to sign the midfielder from Arsenal two summers ago, with Xhaka signing a five-year contract at the BayArena.
