Xhaka back in England at Sunderland, from Leverkusen

Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has joined promoted Premier League side Sunderland from Germany's Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract, both clubs said on Wednesday.

No details were given, but Leverkusen said that Sunderland had "accepted the transfer conditions" set by them for the 32-year-old to move on despite a contract until 2028.

Leverkusen reportedly wanted €20 million ($23.5 million) for Xhaka, who now returns to England where he played at Arsenal for seven years between 2016 and 2023.

"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," Xhaka said in a Sunderland statement.

"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."

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman named Xhaka "a player of the highest calibre" and his arrival "a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team our supporters can be proud of in the Premier League."

During his two years in Leverkusen, Xhaka helped them win a first Bundesliga title and the German Cup in the memorable 2023-24 campaign in which the team's only defeat came in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

Leverkusen managing director for sport Simon Rolfes named Xhaka "a key figure" from the 2023-24 season and said the transfer was "the best solution for all parties involved."

Xhaka is the fourth prominent player to leave Leverkusen, following playmaker Florian Wirtz and full back Jeremie Frimpong's departure for Liverpool, and centre back Jonathan Tah joining Bayern Munich. Coach Xabi Alonso has also left, for Real Madrid, with Erik ten Hag now in charge.