Sunderland is about to hit an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the signing of Granit Xhaka – who likes to become a member of the black cats.
The two clubs are in advanced conversations about a deal for the former Arsenal captain.
Xhaka has agreed personal conditions with Sunderland and his agent Jose Noguera has told Sky in Germany that his client wants to join the newly promoted Premier League club.
“In principle, we have reached an agreement with Sunderland,” said Xhaka's agent.
“Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge.
“We hope that Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will soon find an agreement.”
Analysis: 'Metronome' Xhaka could transform the survival of Sunderland
Sam -Blitz from Sky Sports:
For the promoted clubs, bringing in Premier League quality will be crucial for their survival. Sunderland, which brings Brighton wing player Simon Adingra, is a start, but Granit Xhaka would be a stratospheric signing.
The Switzerland International had a mixed career at Arsenal, but one important theme noticed – managers continued to choose him.
Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta held him as an important member of the team despite his countless red cards, in which the current Arsenal manager even brought him back from the cold after a big fight with the supporters of the club, which led to his Captainincy being removed by Unai Emery.
It is because – despite the controversy that Xhaka can bring – he poses at the metronome in every team for which he plays.
His stability was of vital importance for Bayer Leverkusen who won the competition and cup double in his first season, while even the last term – a more disappointing campaign compared to – saw Xhaka see its value.
Only Joshua Kimmich succeeded more in the open game and last third balls than Xhaka previous term, while his fitting accuracy of 90 percent showed his reliability on the ball.
Of course, Xhaka, who plays for a relegation-threatened Sunderland side, will contrast very differently with the possession-heavy spells at Arsenal and Leverkusen.
But he was arsenal captain and part of the leadership group of Leverkusen. If a deal is completed, this is a signature that gives the black cats a huge survival boost.
Sunderland -transfers
In
Simon Adingra – Brighton, £ 20.5 million
Habib Diarra – Strasbourg, £ 30 million
Enzo Le Fee – Roma, £ 20m
Noah Sadiki – Union Saint -Gilloise, £ 17.5 million
Reinildo Mandava – Atletico Madrid, free
Chemsdine Talbi – Club Brugge, £ 19 million
Out
Tommy Watson – Brighton, £ 10m
Jobe Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund, £ 32 million
Nathan Bishop – AFC Wimbledon, not announced
Adil Aouchiche – Aberdeen, Loan