Sunderland could sign dream partner for Xhaka in “sensational” £22.5m star

Sunderland’s wild ambition in the summer transfer window to date indicates that they’re searching for more than just survival when leaping up to the Premier League.

Instead, the Black Cats are dreaming of taking the top-flight by storm, with signings in through the door such as Habib Diarra for a whopping £30m chomping at the bit to become a star at the top level.

That is easier said than done with no Premier League experience next to your name, but he will hope he can settle in swiftly to his pressurised environment when linking up with potential new teammate Granit Xhaka, who has been done there and done that in the unforgiving league previously.

Why Sunderland are chasing after Xhaka

Indeed, Xhaka looks to be edging ever closer to a return to England, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg going as far as to reveal that the Black Cats have agreed personal terms with the Swiss.

There is a sticking point still when it comes to his £17m valuation – and Erik ten Hag’s desire to keep hold of him – but when compared to Sunderland’s other excessive summer spending, this doesn’t feel like an inflated price to pay for a midfield enforcer who is well-versed in what it takes to be a success story in the Premier League.

Whilst he wasn’t always in the Arsenal good books across his lengthy 297-game stay in North London, owing to his full-blooded displays sometimes going overboard, he would be a welcome addition to Le Bris’ camp all the same, especially as they try to gain more top-flight experience in their camp.

After all, Xhaka would impressively notch up 17 goals and 24 assists across 225 league outings for the Gunners before seeking out pastures new with Bayer Leverkusen, on top of launching himself into 1001 duels in total as a combative presence well-suited to a potential relegation tussle.

Yet, even at 32 years of age, Xhaka will hope he can get even more out of his varied game on his reentry to the lively level, with another new signing on Sunderland’s agenda potentially going on to be a dream teammate for the left-footed battler to work alongside.

Sensational Sunderland target could be a dream for Xhaka

Xhaka bowed out of the Emirates in 2023 after arguably experiencing one of his finest seasons in Arsenal red, with his output of seven goals and seven assists very much sticking out.

Across his two previous seasons before bowing out in style, Xhaka would only collect six goals and assists in total, as those at the Stadium of Light now hope this magic in terms of offering goals and assists – away from his known image of being attritional – comes to the forefront on Wearside to help survival be reached at a minimum.

He could well shine even brighter in this regard if Bilal El Khannouss seals a switch to the Black Cats shortly, with the creative Leicester City machine potentially set to make a move to Sunderland for around the £22.5m mark, amid interest also coming from Aston Villa.

Amazingly, despite the Foxes succumbing to relegation last season, the Moroccan would stand out as an entertaining playmaker all campaign long when putting in many a memorable display for his doomed outfit.

An encouraging two goals and three assists would come El Khannouss’ way from 32 league clashes, with Xhaka perhaps ready to score even more of his trademark strikes from outside of the box when being teed up by the £22.5m star, off the back of him creating eight big chances at the foot of the Premier League.

The relationship will, no doubt, be reciprocal, too, as El Khannouss becomes even more clued up about the challenges of the daunting division, knowing he’s partnered next to an individual who knows how to battle and succeed in such a brutal terrain.

Adding Xhaka is a jaw-dropping move for Sunderland to make, but throwing the “sensational” Moroccan – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – into the mix, too, would be yet another sublime move that catches the eye.

In the end, the midfield duo could well become a devastating force together that ultimately helps the Black Cats become a surprise Premier League package.