Sunderland's Next Step: How Granit Xhaka Fits Into Their Transfer Timeline

When Sunderland announced the signing of Granit Xhaka in late July, the move represented something more symbolic than just another summer reinforcement. It marked a pivotal moment in the club’s evolution — the day their project embraced a new layer of maturity.

Xhaka doesn’t fit the usual mould Sunderland have followed in recent years. He’s 32. He’s played nearly 300 top-flight matches. And unlike most of the club’s high-upside, development-minded recruits, he wasn’t brought in with resale value in mind. Instead, the Swiss international arrives to anchor, to lead, and — above all — to stabilise.

We’ve got 👏👏 Granit Xhaka 🎶 pic.twitter.com/4HdAzct9uF

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 30, 2025

A Strategic Adjustment, Not a U-Turn

Under Kristjaan Speakman and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Sunderland’s recruitment philosophy has been rooted in potential. Young, technical, and often under-scouted players have formed the backbone of the club’s rapid rise through the Football League. It’s a model that saw Jobe Bellingham sold for over £40 million and Jack Clarke emerge as one of the Championship’s standout players last season.

But promotion to the Premier League changes priorities. The margin for error shrinks, and the consequences of naivety are amplified. Sunderland could not afford to rely solely on potential anymore — they needed presence. Xhaka brings that in abundance. With over 225 Premier League appearances, 100+ caps for Switzerland, and a Bundesliga title as a central figure at Bayer Leverkusen, his CV speaks not just to quality, but to reliability at the highest level.

🚨🟡⚫️ EXCL: Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, here we go! 💣

€33m fixed fee, €5m add-ons to Sunderland… and also 15% sell-on clause.

Record sale for #SAFC and huge fee after initial €20m bid rejected. Excellent addition for BVB.

Another Bellingham in Dortmund! 🫂🐝 pic.twitter.com/2W0pRcTHel

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2025

Tactical Fit Under Régis Le Bris

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris is methodical in his system-building. His tactical structure — often a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 — depends heavily on balance in midfield. He needs someone who can set tempo, connect defence to attack, and remain calm under pressure. That role will now belong to Xhaka.

Last season, Sunderland controlled possession in most Championship matches but lacked the means to slow games down or secure leads late on. Xhaka, by contrast, was a model of composure at Leverkusen. He consistently ranked among the Bundesliga’s best midfielders in progressive passing, short-passing accuracy, and defensive positioning in central zones.

In Sunderland’s system, he’s expected to operate as the single pivot or as the deeper half of a double pivot. His ability to dictate rhythm, manage transitions, and offer an outlet under pressure will be vital — especially when younger midfielders around him push forward or when games become chaotic.

Summer Recruitment: A Young Core with Veteran Steel

Xhaka may be the headline name, but Sunderland’s summer activity has been deliberate and wide-reaching. And while the Swiss international brings veteran influence, the broader pattern continues to emphasise youth and long-term upside.

Enzo Le Fée, at 25 years old, was signed permanently from Roma following a successful loan. The French midfielder cost Sunderland around £19.3 million and provides technical precision, balance, and comfort in tight areas. His familiarity with Le Bris’ system from last season will ensure continuity in midfield.

Habib Diarra, just 21, arrived from Strasbourg for a reported £30 million. Dynamic, athletic, and direct, he adds verticality to Sunderland’s midfield — a carrier and disruptor who complements both Xhaka and Le Fée.

In attack, Sunderland added Simon Adingra from Brighton. At 23, and with Premier League experience already under his belt, he brings pace, pressing intelligence, and direct threat from wide areas. On the opposite flank, 20-year-old Chemsdine Talbi joined from Club Brugge. His creative upside and versatility make him a long-term investment, but he’s also expected to contribute early.

Noah Sadiki, also 20, was signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for £17.5 million. Comfortable in central midfield or as a right-back, he adds much-needed depth and tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Reinildo Mandava arrived on a free transfer after leaving Atlético Madrid. The left-back, who has Champions League and international experience, provides maturity and cover in a defence still learning the ropes.

The average age of Sunderland’s six key outfield signings this summer is just 23. With Xhaka as the outlier, the club continues to back its belief in potential — but with eyes wide open to the realities of top-flight survival.

💰✨ Newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland have made 6 permanent signings so far this summer. 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/U25bZdxMT2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 11, 2025

Where Xhaka Fits: A Projected Starting XI

Régis Le Bris has options. But based on Sunderland’s current squad balance and tactical profile, Xhaka’s role is clear — he’ll be the midfield anchor in a side built to run and create around him.

Projected Sunderland XI (4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1):

             Adingra         Borre         Talbi
                        Le Fée       Diarra
                             Xhaka
   Mandava     Seelt / Triantis     Ballard      Hume
                           Patterson

In this likely configuration, Xhaka sits at the base of midfield, shielding the defence and distributing from deep. Le Fée and Diarra provide forward thrust and lateral coverage, while Adingra and Talbi stretch defences in transition. Mandava offers defensive stability on the left, while the right-back role remains flexible depending on opponent and availability.

Sunderland can also shift into a double pivot, with Xhaka and Le Fée or Diarra holding, and a more advanced midfielder sitting ahead. Whatever the shape, the Swiss international’s role will be to provide consistency — the platform upon which the rest of the system can function.

The Bigger Picture

Granit Xhaka doesn’t change Sunderland’s identity. But he might just be the piece that allows it to hold in place under pressure. Speakman and Le Bris know the Premier League demands more than youthful promise — it demands structure, experience, and tactical clarity.

This isn’t a pivot away from development. It’s development with safeguards. Xhaka’s signing allows Sunderland’s younger players to play more freely, knowing someone behind them will manage risk, dictate rhythm, and, when necessary, slow everything down.

In a season that will be defined by fine margins, Sunderland have chosen maturity. Now, it’s about whether that maturity can bring the stability they’ll need to stay up — and keep building.