Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has returned to the Premier League by signing for newly-promoted Sunderland from German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka, who spent seven years at Arsenal after joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, has agreed a three-year deal with Sunderland and will wear the No 34 shirt.
"I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well," Xhaka said in his first interview for Sunderland.
"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."
The 32-year-old Switzerland international becomes the Black Cats' seventh signing of a busy summer transfer window as Regis Le Bris' side, who won promotion via the Championship playoffs, look forward to their first top-flight campaign since 2016/17.
Watch: Why Xhaka has a special bond with the No 34 shirt
Granit Xhaka explains his connection with number 3⃣4⃣ ❤️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 30, 2025
Xhaka's career so far
Born in Basel, Switzerland, on 27 September 1992, Xhaka began his footballing journey with Concordia Basel before joining the academy at FC Basel.
Xhaka spent 10 years at FC Basel where he won two Swiss League titles and the Swiss Cup before joining Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.
After making 108 appearances and scoring six times in four years with the Bundesliga side, Xhaka moved to Arsenal in 2016.
During his seven seasons at Emirates Stadium, Xhaka helped the Gunners win two FA Cups and the Community Shield twice.
Xhaka's best Premier League goals
Xhaka was on the move again in July 2023, and proved instrumental in his debut season as Bayer Leverkusen went unbeaten on their way to winning a Bundesliga title and German Cup Double.
He also helped the German side reach the UEFA Europa League final, where they were beaten by Atalanta.
At international level, Xhaka has been capped 137 times by Switzerland and scored 14 goals. He has represented his home nation at three FIFA World Cups - 2014, 2018 and 2022 - and the UEFA European Championship on three occasions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
When could Xhaka feature for Sunderland?
Xhaka's first match for Sunderland could come in pre-season against Spanish side Real Betis on 2 August.
The Black Cats start their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United on 16 August.