Having already welcomed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, Sunderland are now reportedly one of the frontrunners to sign another Bundesliga winner this summer.
Xhaka "proud" to be at Sunderland
It sums up Sunderland’s summer that they welcomed a player of Xhaka’s calibre this week. It is the ultimate statement from a newly-promoted side and the type that signals their intent to do more than just survive at the first time of asking.
The former Arsenal man, who won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, joins the likes of Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra on the list of incomings at the Stadium of Light in an impressive summer of business.
After sealing his return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Arsenal in 2023, Xhaka told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m very proud to be here.
“When I spoke to the Club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling.
“We are back to where this Club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.
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“We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.”
That said, one Bundesliga may not be enough to satisfy the Black Cats this summer. According to recent reports, they’re now also among the frontrunners to sign a player that Xhaka already knows well.
Sunderland frontrunners to sign Amine Adli
According to TeamTalk, Sunderland are now frontrunners to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ahead of West Ham United, both clubs are reportedly the most active in the race to sign the 25-year-old Bundesliga-winning winger ahead of next season.
Despite already welcoming Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi to boost their flanks, Sunderland have now set their sights on a more experienced option and one who could provide ample cover if both Adingra and Talbi are selected for AFCON duties midway through next season.
Minutes
766
1,097
Goals
2
2
Assists
0
2
Successful Take-ons per 90
1.76
1.72
Whilst Adli’s output undoubtedly needs improving, he stands out as the type of winger who could step in for Adingra when AFCON arrives. His take-on success particularly represents a player who is capable of creating something out of nothing, albeit without the end product as things stand.
Dubbed “extremely agile” by Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, the 25-year-old – at the right price – would be another impressive signing by the Black Cats. Whether they beat Wolves in the race for his signature remains to be seen, however.