GRANIT XHAKA has agreed a deal to join Sunderland.
Surprise talks for the Bayer Leverkusen ace to join the Black Cats began earlier this month.
Granit Xhaka is on the verge of joining SunderlandGETTY
The 32-year-old is set to sign a two-year deal at the Stadium of LightGETTY
Xhaka was immediately keen on a move to the Stadium of Light when it was broached, informing the Leverkusen brass he’d only join the North East club if he were to leave the BayArena this summer.
And negotiations between all parties have borne fruit, with the former Arsenal skipper set to join Regis le Bris’ side on a two-year deal.
Xhaka, 32, has been given the green light to fly to Sunderland to undergo a medical.
The Switzerland international’s imminent departure comes just days after new Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag insisted he was too important to be sold.
The Dutchman said: “His agent can say whatever he wants.
“But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go.
“Granit is a leader and still has three years left on his contract here.
“It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract.
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“He’s too important to us to let him go.”
Xhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in July 2023 on a five-year deal.
He’s made 99 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists.
Xhaka scored in Leverkusen’s 5-0 win over Werder Bremen last April to seal the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title.
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