Why is xhaka playing for sunderland

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Granit Xhaka is not playing for Sunderland. He currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, having transferred from Arsenal in July 2023 for a reported fee of €25 million. Xhaka previously played for Arsenal from 2016 to 2023, making 297 appearances and scoring 23 goals. His career has included stints with Borussia Mönchengladbach (2012-2016) and FC Basel (2010-2012), but he has never been associated with Sunderland AFC.

Key Facts

Granit Xhaka transferred from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen on July 6, 2023
Xhaka made 297 appearances for Arsenal between 2016-2023
He scored 23 goals during his Arsenal career
Xhaka's transfer fee to Bayer Leverkusen was approximately €25 million
Xhaka has never played for Sunderland AFC in his professional career

Overview

Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga and captains the Switzerland national team. Born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland, Xhaka began his professional career with FC Basel in 2010, winning two Swiss Super League titles (2011, 2012) and one Swiss Cup (2012). He transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012 for €8.5 million, where he developed into one of the Bundesliga's top midfielders over four seasons. In May 2016, Arsenal signed Xhaka for a reported £30-35 million, making him their third-most expensive signing at the time. During his seven-year Arsenal tenure, Xhaka became a key player, winning two FA Cups (2017, 2020) and two Community Shields (2017, 2020). He made 297 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals and providing 29 assists before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.

How It Works

The confusion about Xhaka playing for Sunderland likely stems from several factors. First, Sunderland AFC has had Swiss players in the past, including goalkeeper Yann Sommer who played for the club's youth academy in 2005-2007 before his professional career. Second, Xhaka's brother, Taulant Xhaka, is also a professional footballer who plays for FC Basel and the Albania national team, but has no connection to Sunderland either. Third, during transfer windows, various rumors circulate about player movements, and some fans might confuse Xhaka with other players or misinterpret transfer speculation. Fourth, Sunderland's current squad includes several international players, but no Swiss nationals as of the 2023-2024 season. The club's most notable Swiss connection was with manager Roy Keane signing several international players during his tenure (2006-2008), but none were Swiss midfielders of Xhaka's profile.

Why It Matters

Understanding accurate player information is crucial for football fans, journalists, and analysts for several reasons. First, it prevents misinformation from spreading through social media and fan forums, which can create false narratives about team rosters and transfer activities. Second, accurate player tracking helps in fantasy football leagues, betting markets, and statistical analysis that rely on correct team assignments. Third, for Sunderland supporters specifically, knowing their actual squad composition is important for assessing team strength, tactical setups, and transfer needs. The club, currently in the EFL Championship, has been rebuilding since their Premier League relegation in 2017, and accurate information helps fans evaluate their progress realistically against competitors.