New Delhi: Granit Xhaka is no stranger to pressure as he has spent years in the Premier League and a title-winning spell in Germany. The Swiss midfielder is back in England with a mew mission to accomplish as he is set to help Sunderland establish themselves among the top clubs once again.
The 32-year-old Xhaka has joined the Black Cats ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season and made it clear he’s here for more than just a final chapter. While speaking to JioHotstar he shared his experience and thoughts about the new adventure. He said, “I love challenges, and this is a big one perhaps the biggest of my career so far. I’ve taken it on, I’m here now and I want to prove myself day by day, weekend by weekend on the pitch.”
Experience meets ambition
The move might raise a few eyebrows after all, Xhaka was part of Bayern Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win in 2024. But for him, it’s about energy and belief and after the conversations with the club’s leadership, he felt something click. Xhaka told, “When I spoke with the club, I was very excited to come here—to feel the energy, the mentality, the people, the players, and overall atmosphere. It was exactly what I wanted.”
Sunderland’s project appealed to Xhaka not only because of its ambition but because of its mix of youth and experience. The former Arsenal man knows how important balance is in a dressing room, especially in a league as unpredictable as the Premier league.
Xhaka isn’t just bringing a big name, rather he is bringing leadership. With 297 appearances for Arsenal, two FA Cups and a stint as club captain, he understands what it takes to succeed in England. His time in Germany sharpened his game even further and he arrived in the northeast as a seasoned, motivated presence.
He joins a busy summer window for Sunderland with seven new arrivals already announced including Enzo Le Fee and Simon Adingra. Xhaka’s addition is a statement that the is a club not just aiming to survive but to build something serious.
Eyes on the Pitch, heart in the project
While Xhaka admits there’s a different kind of pressure at Sunderland, he welcomes it. For him, it’s about creating something meaningful, something lasting. He spoke with a sense of ownership and excitement traits any fan wants in a new signing.
With his mentality, leadership and hunger still intact, Granit Xhaka looks ready to give everything for the Sunderland badge. And if his words are anything to go by, the fire inside him is far from out.