 "Former Arsenal midfielder exudes confidence after joining newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland: 'I love challenges'")
As the Premier League 2025/26 season is approaching its grand opening, the clubs are ramping up their business in the transfer market. Big clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea have expectedly emerged as the busiest among all in the transfer window. However, when it comes to making key signings, each club, regardless of its status, has zeroed in on options and attempted to get them on board.
Many have successfully roped in their prime targets, whereas some missed out. The newly promoted side, Sunderland, seemingly belongs to the former category, as it managed to sign former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka, who used to be a starter for the Gunners from 2016 to 2023, left for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and after spending two seasons in the Bundesliga, the Swiss has made a return to England. Xhaka has signed a three-year deal with Sunderland for a reported initial fee of £13 million, with an additional £4 million in add-ons.
Reflecting on his decision to join Sunderland, the 32-year-old expressed excitement as the move will push him towards new challenges. Speaking on JioHotstar, Granit Xhaka explained his decision to join Sunderland:
“I felt I needed a new and big challenge. When I spoke with the club, I was very excited to come here—to feel the energy, the mentality, the people, the players, and the overall atmosphere around the club. It was exactly what I wanted, and that’s why I decided to join.”
On the potential pressure at Sunderland
“It’s definitely a different kind of pressure, and that’s why I said before—it’s a big challenge for me, the club, and my teammates. But I have a good feeling. I see the potential for a big change, and I want to be part of it, to be part of this football club and write our own history. I’m really looking forward to it.”
What will he bring to the table?
“I’ve been in the UK for seven years, so I understand the mentality here and the league well. What you can expect from me is a wealth of experience from different types of European football I’ve played, along with a strong mentality. I believe in working hard every day to achieve the team’s goals, and also supporting the club and each other. I want to bring a positive feeling and the belief that we can succeed—that’s who I am.”
On what it means to be a part of the club
“When you start talking with the club, you begin to understand its history. I know where they’ve been and where they were, which makes the challenge bigger than ever. It’s great to have that background, but now we’re back where the club needs to be. We want to stay here and write our own history. I have a very good feeling about this, and that’s why I decided to make this step.”
Will play for the fans
“I will give the fans a lot of energy, mentality, and passion—fighting for every ball, for my teammates, for the badge, and for the club. That’s what I want to give both the fans and my teammates.”
On the vibrant young Sunderland side
“A team needs a good balance—a solid mix of young players and experienced ones. I’m not finished yet; the hunger to achieve great things is still very much here. That’s why I chose to join Sunderland—I feel ready to help the team with both my experience and quality. I have a good feeling about the mix we have now, and though we need to find our rhythm on the pitch, I don’t think that will be a big problem.”
On the challenges ahead
“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.”
Message to Sunderland fans
“I’m sure this team will give everything on the pitch from the first whistle to the last. We need the club’s and fans’ support, no matter what happens. But one thing is certain—we will give our all and hopefully achieve the goals we’ve set.”
Catch all the action from the Premier League 2025-26 season, August 16 onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar
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