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As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches, Granit Xhaka is preparing for a return to English football — and this time, he’s taking on what he calls “the biggest challenge” of his career. The former Arsenal captain, who spent the past two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, has joined newly promoted Sunderland AFC, a club eager to reestablish itself among England’s top flight.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Xhaka offered candid reflections on why he made the move, what he hopes to bring to the Black Cats, and the mentality he believes is essential for the challenges ahead.
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Why Sunderland? A Search for a New Challenge
For Xhaka, the decision to leave Leverkusen wasn’t just about a change of scenery — it was about testing himself in an entirely new environment.
Sunderland’s project — a blend of ambitious young talent and experienced leadership — appealed to the 32-year-old midfielder. Xhaka says he could sense the hunger and determination in the club’s conversations with him, and it convinced him that this was the right step for the next chapter of his career.
Different Pressures, Same Drive
Having spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal, Xhaka knows the intensity and scrutiny that comes with playing in English football. But he insists the pressure at Sunderland will be a different kind — and that’s part of the appeal.
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is a moment of pride for the club and its supporters, but it also comes with heightened expectations. Xhaka believes that pressure can be turned into fuel if the team channels it the right way.
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Experience and Mentality: What Xhaka Brings to Sunderland
During his career, Xhaka has played in Switzerland, Germany, and England, collecting over 500 senior club appearances and captaining both Arsenal and the Swiss national team. He believes these experiences give him the tools to help Sunderland compete and grow. develop confidence.
Understading Sunderland’s History and Mission
Xhaka admits that part of what drew him to Wearside was Sunderland’s rich, if at times turbulent, history.
The midfielder stressed that staying in the Premier League is the club’s immediate goal, but also hinted at a longer-term ambition: building a sustainable, competitive side that can challenge higher up the table in seasons to come.
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Passion, Energy, and Commitment to the Fans
For Xhaka, winning over Sunderland’s passionate fan base means more than just results — it’s about effort, fight, and connection.
Sunderland’s supporters are renowned for their loyalty and vocal support, and Xhaka says he is determined to match that intensity on the pitch.
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Balancing Youth and Experience
Xhaka arrives in a Sunderland squad brimming with young talent, many of whom are about to experience Premier League football for the first time. He sees this as an advantage — provided it is balanced with guidance from senior players.
The Swiss midfielder also pointed out that a balanced dressing room creates resilience during difficult spells in the season.
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Facing the Biggest Challenge Yet
While Xhaka has played in Champions League finals, title races, and major international tournaments, he insists that helping Sunderland establish themselves in the Premier League might be his most demanding task yet.
That willingness to embrace risk and responsibility could be critical for a Sunderland side aiming to avoid the common pitfalls that newly promoted teams face.
A Message to the Supporters
Xhaka concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to the Sunderland faithful, emphasizing the need for unity between players, staff, and fans.
Looking Ahead to the Season
The 2025-26 campaign will be a defining one for Sunderland. After years in the lower divisions, the club has climbed back into the Premier League, driven by a revitalized footballing philosophy and a commitment to player development. With Xhaka on board, manager Tony Mowbray has a seasoned leader capable of influencing matches and setting the tone in the dressing room.
Sunderland’s opening fixtures will be a stern test, featuring matches against top-six opposition early in the season. Xhaka says these games are an opportunity to show the league that Sunderland belong at this level.
Conclusion
Granit Xhaka’s arrival at Sunderland marks more than just a high-profile signing — it’s a statement of intent. The Swiss midfielder is not only bringing his technical ability and leadership but also a fierce determination to meet what he calls the “biggest challenge” of his career.
For Sunderland, his experience could be the difference between surviving, thriving, or slipping back down. For Xhaka, it’s a chance to add a new chapter to a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and ambition.
One thing is clear: both player and club are ready to give everything in pursuit of their Premier League goals.
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