Switzerland and Sunderland star Granit Xhaka has sent out a strong message to an international team-mate who is complaining about his lack of game time after being left out of the latest squad for World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo. The 33-year-old midfielder says players should do their talking on the pitch and admits at times there's a need to simply "shut up".
Wayne Rooney has hailed Granit Xhaka as "probably the signing of the season" after the veteran midfielder's remarkable influence on Sunderland's stunning Premier League return. The 33-year-old Swiss star has been pivotal in the newly promoted side's rise to fourth place, guiding a young squad with leadership, consistency, and class since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Granit Xhaka has sensationally returned to the Premier League, signing for Sunderland in a £17 million ($23m) deal that has left Germany legend Lothar Matthaus fuming at Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag. Matthaus believes Ten Hag should have done more to keep hold of the 31-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title run in 2023-2024.
Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to snub a Premier League return with Sunderland despite mounting speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London, where he developed into a combative leader for the Gunners. Since then he has played a vital role in the system and was a key figure when the German side lifted their first-ever Bundesliga crown.