{"id":263543,"date":"2026-09-20T06:40:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T06:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/20\/sunderland-have-struck-gold-on-a-better-bargain-signing-than-xhaka\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T06:40:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T06:40:11","slug":"sunderland-have-struck-gold-on-a-better-bargain-signing-than-xhaka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/20\/sunderland-have-struck-gold-on-a-better-bargain-signing-than-xhaka\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunderland have struck gold on a better bargain signing than Xhaka"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Granit Xhaka<\/a> became the first player to captain Sunderland<\/a> in a European match since 1973 when he led the team out at the Stadium of Light on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Switzerland international played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, thanks to a penalty from Enzo Le Fee in the second half.<\/p>\n

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\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for \u00a313m<\/a> last year, the left-footed star has emerged as one of Regis Le Bris<\/a>‘ most reliable performers, using his experience to deliver consistent performances.<\/p>\n

He has played every minute in the Premier League<\/a> so far this season for the Black Cats, but the club may still have to think about what life looks like after Xhaka.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Sunderland need to plan for life after Granit Xhaka<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

The former Arsenal star turns 34 later this month and is heading into the latter stages of his playing career, which is why Sunderland need to start planning for life without him in the team.<\/p>\n

Whilst he remains a key part of Le Bris’ side in the here and now, Xhaka could begin to naturally regress in the next couple of seasons and the club will need to have a replacement in the building who is ready to step in when that happens.<\/p>\n

In the 2025\/26 campaign, the 33-year-old star played 34 times in the Premier League and showcased his physicality by winning 60% of his ground duels and 62% of his aerial duels in the division.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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26\/27 Premier League<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Granit Xhaka<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Appearances<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Key passes per game<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Big chances created<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Tackles per game<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Interceptions per game<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1.3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

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

\n

5.8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ground duel success rate<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

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

\n

Aerial duel success rate<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

63%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

His physical output is sat at a similar level in the current top-flight season, showing that he has yet to slow down, but that does not mean that a regression is not around the corner.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Sunderland's\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Xhaka has been a phenomenal signing for the Black Cats, since joining last year. However, he may only end up having a relatively short-term impact in the long run, should he begin to regress in the coming seasons.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Sunderland made an even better signing than Granit Xhaka<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Whilst the Swiss midfield titan may have a fairly short shelf life at the Stadium of Light, due to his age, the club have a younger player on their books who may end up going down as an even better signing.<\/p>\n