Where is xhaka now

Overview

Granit Xhaka is currently a central midfielder for Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he plays a pivotal role in the team's midfield under head coach Xabi Alonso. He officially joined the German club in June 2023 after departing English Premier League side Arsenal following a seven-year tenure.

Xhaka quickly established himself as a starter, bringing leadership, tactical intelligence, and physical presence to Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign. His transfer marked a new chapter in his career, aligning with a rising club that secured its first-ever Bundesliga championship in the 2023–24 season.

• Transfer Date: Xhaka completed his move to Bayer Leverkusen on June 28, 2023, signing a three-year contract through 2026.
• Transfer Fee: The reported fee was €25 million, making it one of Leverkusen’s significant mid-season reinforcements.
• Debut Match: He made his competitive debut on August 12, 2023, in a 2–0 victory over 1. FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga opener.
• Role at Club: Xhaka plays as a defensive midfielder, often shielding the backline and initiating attacks with his passing range.
• Leadership Role: Though not the official captain, he is considered a key leader in the dressing room and on the pitch.

How It Works

Xhaka’s integration into Bayer Leverkusen’s system reflects modern midfield dynamics, where ball retention, positional discipline, and transition play are critical. His role combines defensive responsibility with creative distribution, fitting seamlessly into Xabi Alonso’s possession-based philosophy.

• Positional Role: Xhaka operates as a number 6, anchoring midfield and allowing full-backs to push forward during build-up phases.
• Pass Accuracy: He averaged 91.4% pass completion in the 2023–24 Bundesliga season across 28 appearances.
• Minutes Played: Xhaka featured in 3,045 minutes in the league, one of the highest totals among midfielders.
• Tackles Per Game: He recorded an average of 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes, contributing defensively.
• Key Passes: Delivered 2.8 key passes per game, highlighting his role in creating scoring chances.
• Leadership Impact: His experience from playing in the Premier League and for Switzerland adds stability during high-pressure matches.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Xhaka’s performance metrics between his final Arsenal season (2022–23) and his debut season with Leverkusen (2023–24):

The data shows improved offensive contributions and greater efficiency in Leverkusen’s system. Despite fewer appearances, Xhaka recorded more assists and a higher goal involvement rate, indicating a more impactful role in a dominant team structure. The tactical environment under Alonso has enhanced his ability to influence games consistently.

Why It Matters

Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen represents a strategic career shift, aligning with a club on the rise and demonstrating that experienced Premier League players can thrive in Germany’s top flight. His success underscores the growing appeal of the Bundesliga for seasoned international talent.

• League Impact: Xhaka played a crucial role in ending Leverkusen’s 120-year wait for a Bundesliga title.
• International Relevance: His form earned continued selection for the Swiss national team, including UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
• Team Dynamics: His partnership with midfielder Exequiel Palacios formed one of the league’s most effective duos.
• Age Factor: At 31 years old in 2023, Xhaka defied age-related decline with peak-level performances.
• Transfer Model: His signing exemplifies Leverkusen’s strategy of acquiring experienced players to complement youth.
• Legacy Building: Xhaka is now seen as a pivotal figure in shaping Leverkusen’s emerging football identity.

Granit Xhaka’s current chapter at Bayer Leverkusen highlights a successful transition from the Premier League to a high-performing Bundesliga side. With a title win and consistent performances, he remains a vital figure both on and off the pitch.