Erik ten Hag slammed for not 'fighting harder' to keep Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen as Germany legend insists Sunderland transfer could have been prevented

It’s been a brutal few months for Leverkusen. In addition to Xhaka’s departure, their talismanic coach, Xabi Alonso, walked away to take the reins at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, star defender Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich, and Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both completed blockbuster moves to Liverpool. Long-serving goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also left for Monaco.

The Xhaka transfer was especially a bitter pill to swallow. The deal with Sunderland was completed shortly after Ten Hag publicly assured fans that there would be “no more departures” from the squad; a statement that immediately aged like milk once Xhaka was pictured holding up his new red and white shirt at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to SportBild, World Cup winner Matthaus ripped into the Leverkusen hierarchy, and Ten Hag in particular, for allowing Xhaka to walk away.

“Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool. Lukas Hradecky to Monaco, and then Granit Xhaka to Sunderland! I can hardly remember seeing a more drastic upheaval at a top team," he said.

“Most of the departures are understandable and couldn’t have been prevented. I just don’t accept that in Xhaka’s case! Erik ten Hag must accept the criticism of not fighting harder for the strategist and the heart of the team.”

Xhaka’s arrival is a massive statement of intent from Sunderland, who are looking to cement themselves as more than just Premier League survivors. The former Arsenal midfielder brings over 300 games of top-flight experience, a fiery competitive edge, and a knack for dictating games from deep midfield. Sunderland kick off their Premier League campaign at home against West Ham on Saturday, August 16, with the veteran midfielder tipped to make his full debut.