{"id":259780,"date":"2026-08-27T07:15:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T07:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/27\/how-sunderland-can-seal-their-biggest-coup-since-granit-xhaka-this-week\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T07:15:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T07:15:11","slug":"how-sunderland-can-seal-their-biggest-coup-since-granit-xhaka-this-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/27\/how-sunderland-can-seal-their-biggest-coup-since-granit-xhaka-this-week\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sunderland can seal their biggest coup since Granit Xhaka this week"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Saturday\u2019s opening-day defeat to newly-promoted Ipswich Town was a wake-up call for Sunderland<\/a> in their efforts to avoid suffering from second-season syndrome.<\/p>\n

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Regis Le Bris secured a memorable first season back in the Premier League<\/a> last time around, subsequently helping the Black Cats secure a generational return to European football.<\/p>\n

However, concerns have been raised about the added fixture congestion and lack of squad depth at the Stadium of Light – which could have an impact on their league standing.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

If the side are to be successful once again throughout 2026\/27, the form of one player will be vital, with the hope he can emulate his impressive form from last campaign.<\/p>\n

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\n Why Xhaka will be vital if Sunderland are to be successful in 2026\/27<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not often a newly-promoted side can convince a top-level operator to join their ranks, but that\u2019s exactly what Sunderland managed to do with Granit Xhaka<\/a> last summer.<\/p>\n

The 33-year-old arrived for a reported \u00a320m from German giants Bayer Leverkusen and immediately assumed the role of captain with his experience in the top division certainly playing a huge role.<\/p>\n

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\n \"Xhaka-Sunderland\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, his European experience will once again come in handy this term, with the Swiss international one of a handful of players in the squad to possess such qualities.<\/p>\n

Last season, he featured in all but four league games for the Black Cats and his quality at both ends of the pitch undoubtedly played a huge role in the club\u2019s immediate success in the top-flight.<\/p>\n

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Granit Xhaka – PL stats (2025\/26)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Statistics (per 90)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

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Games played<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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34<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Goals & assists<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Pass accuracy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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84%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Line-breaking passes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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9.4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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60%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Defensive contributions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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11.3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Ball recoveries<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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5.6<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Aerials won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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62%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Despite Xhaka\u2019s defensive responsibilities, he did manage to register the joint-most assists of any player in Le Bris\u2019 squad – with he and Enzo Le Fee ending the year with six league assists.<\/p>\n

He also topped the charts for defensive contributions made per 90 last season, with the former Arsenal man proving to be worth every penny for the Black Cats.<\/p>\n

However, if they are to achieve further success throughout the ongoing campaign, there\u2019s no denying added reinforcements are needed before the end of the window.<\/p>\n

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\n How Sunderland can secure their best signing since Xhaka<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

With just a week remaining in the summer window, Sunderland have only completed the signings of Thomas Meunier, Dayann Methalie and Jules Akhora.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no denying business has been slow during the ongoing window, with further reinforcements needed if the club are to be competitive on all fronts throughout 2026\/27.<\/p>\n

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\"Sunderland\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Scott Heppell<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, the supporters could be about to see their wishes come true, as the hierarchy have seemingly stepped up their efforts to land Marseille winger Igor Paixao.<\/p>\n

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on a deal for the Brazilian and has stated that personal terms are already in place with the 26-year-old over a move to the North East.<\/p>\n

Initial talks are ongoing between the two clubs at present, with the Ligue 1 side said to need to raise funds before the summer transfer window closes.<\/p>\n