Sunderland Transfer Rumours Round-Up: Including Granit Xhaka Latest

Sunderland are back in the Premier League, and with five new big signings and counting, they look determined to stay there. Today’s Sunderland transfer rumours include the latest on former Arsenal and current Bayer Leverkusen star midfielder Grant Xhaka, who could be the Black Cats’ next big signing.

Plus, we have all the rest of the latest rumours of incoming and outgoing players as the Premier League season draws nearer.

Sunderland Transfer Rumours Round-Up: Including Granit Xhaka Latest

Sunderland Could Now Be in Pole Position for Granit Xhaka

The Sunderland Echo and Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri are reporting that the club rivalling Sunderland for midfielder Granit Xhaka, Saudi club Neom SC, have turned their attentions elsewhere, which could put the Black Cats in pole position to pursue a deal for the 32-year-old Bundesliga title winner.

It is reported that Neom SC are now pursuing Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso, with discussions currently ongoing. This could now leave just Sunderland to try and persuade the ex-Arsenal man to return to the Premier League, and are reportedly willing to offer Xhaka a three-year deal. Sunderland are hoping a fee of around €10 million will seal the deal.

Xhaka Would Be a Real Statement Signing

Sunderland are not just looking to survive on their return to the Premier League but also to make a statement and intend to compete. The Black Cats have already spent big this summer, but the signing of Xhaka, a player who played almost 300 games for Arsenal, is a Bundesliga title winner and played 137 times for Switzerland, captaining the side on many occasions, could be a real statement of intent.

TNT Sports expert Raphael Honigstein said this about Xhaka earlier this year. “I think that there’s a reason why he was captain at Arsenal. There’s a reason why Leverkusen were desperate to get him in. Alonso effectively built a team around him to a certain extent.

“Xhaka has been one reason why they’ve managed to instil this togetherness and real team mentality that the past Leverkusen teams haven’t always been able to produce, because of their nature as sort of a stepping stone for many players.

“He’s one of the main reasons why Leverkusen have now gone from being a very good team to being a superb side.”

Defender Rejects Sunderland

It appears that the Black Cats will need to move to other targets after being rejected by Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí. Italian site 1000 Cuori Rossoblu and the Sunderland Echo have reported that the 27-year-old has rejected the opportunity to move to Wearside as he is holding out on a move to a team competing in the Champions League.

With Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde set to miss the start of the season, head coach Regis Le Bris will be hoping to add to his options at the back sooner rather than later.

Leicester City Midfielder on Sunderland and Nottingham Forest’s Radar

Should Sunderland continue with their interest in Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, they will reportedly face competition from Nottingham Forest, according to Peter O’Rourke of Sky Sports.

Sunderland are currently not in talks to sign the player, according to Keith Downie, but have been long-term admirers of the player and have tracked the player since before he came to England.

Rated at £21 million, 21-year-old Moroccan international El Khannouss fits Sunderland’s model of signing young, talented players with the potential to increase their value in the years ahead. Despite the club not actively pursuing a deal at this stage, he is on their radar and should Forest make an approach, it could make Sunderland think very seriously about making a move.