London, July 30 -- Sunderland continues to prepare for its return to the Premier League with the signing of Switzerland international midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 32-year-old won the Bundesliga and German Cup double with Leverkusen in 2024 and previously spent seven years at Arsenal.

Xhaka joins for a fee thought to be around 13 million pounds and has agreed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light. The midfielder will bring a wealth of experience to Sunderland as the club looks to avoid instant relegation back to the Championship.

"I'm very proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I was excited, and I felt the energy, and the mentality all the people and players have."

"It's exactly what I wanted, and I h...