Saudi Interest Growing In Sunderland Midfield Star Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is enjoying one of the best periods of his career. That is beyond doubt. He made a decision, and it has paid off completely. But let’s take things from the beginning…

MILAN WANTED HIM, SUNDERLAND CONVINCED HIM

Last summer, the former Arsenal captain had plenty of offers on the table. 

Several clubs tried to approach him once it became clear he wanted to leave Bayer Leverkusen, following an extremely successful spell in Germany. He was looking for a new challenge, and knew he could still perform at the highest level. But he also wanted to make the best decision for himself and his family.

It was reported that he was close to joining Milan, but Leverkusen were negotiating hard. Then, something few expected happened: Sunderland, freshly promoted from the Championship to the Premier League, made their move.

The Swiss midfielder sat down, discussed terms, and was convinced. He felt he had unfinished business in England after leaving Arsenal, and in the end, he said “yes” to the Black Cats. He signed a three-year deal, and just a few months later, it already looks like a perfect decision.

A TRUE LEADER WHO CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR LE BRIS

Sunderland secured survival early, are still pushing for a European spot, as they currently sit 12th in the table. 

They’ve claimed big wins along the way, beating Chelsea and Tottenham, and taking points off Arsenal and Manchester City. 

It’s been an outstanding first Premier League season for Régis Le Bris, with Xhaka playing a crucial role.

30 starts. Club captain. One of the most influential signings of the summer. A huge presence both on and off the pitch.

A true leader, and someone who will always remember leading Sunderland to victory in BOTH of their first two matches back in the Premier League against rivals Newcastle. A 1-0 win at home, followed by a 2-1 comeback at St James’ Park.

Hearing all this, you would assume it’s a given he stays at Sunderland next season. He’s under contract, loved by the fans, why would anything change?

CONTRACT IN PLACE, BUT SAUDI INTEREST EMERGES

And yet… there is a reason.

Xhaka is already being monitored by clubs from Saudi Arabia, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

And as we know, when Saudi money enters the conversation, things can quickly change.

This isn’t the first time either. There was interest last year, but he didn’t even consider it. That might be the case again, but the interest is real, and it’s serious.

One of the clubs linked with him is NEOM, where Alexandre Lacazette is currently playing, as they continue to grow their project after promotion.

Xhaka may not be the only star on the move either, with Enzo Le Fée also heavily linked with an exit, as both Liverpool and Aston Villa are understood to be monitoring the midfielder’s situation closely.

WHY SUNDERLAND HOLD THE ADVANTAGE

Would it be easy for Xhaka to leave? Not at all, for two key reasons.

Firstly, his contract. He earns close to £8 million per year. 

Secondly, Sunderland would reportedly demand around double that amount as a transfer fee to even consider letting him go.

From SportsBoom's perspective, this is a 50-50 situation.

Xhaka is tied to Sunderland, loved by the fans, and fully committed to the club. But that doesn’t eliminate the growing interest from Saudi Arabia. It’s not just NEOM, they are simply one of the clubs in the picture.

For now, though, the priority is clear: finish the season strongly, aim for a top-half Premier League finish, head to the World Cup, return fit — and then, all parties will sit down and decide.

And somewhere in the background… Saudi Arabia will be waiting.