Granit Xhaka Appointed Sunderland Captain for 2025/26 Season
Granit Xhaka appointed Sunderland captain for 2025/26 season, bringing leadership and experience to the team. The Swiss midfielder joins from Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga title, and is expected to drive standards on and off the pitch. Sunderland's new captain will lead the team in their Premier League campaign, starting with a match against West Ham United on August 16, 2025.
“People who know me know exactly what they’ll get – I’m someone who demands a lot...”
Sunderland has confirmed Granit Xhaka as their new captain for the 2025/26 Premier League season. The 32-year-old Swiss midfielder joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal reportedly worth £17.3 million, bringing valuable experience to a youthful squad.
As a seasoned player with 137 caps for Switzerland, Xhaka has extensive experience playing at the highest level. He won the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen and has featured in multiple FIFA World Cups. Xhaka will wear the number 34 shirt for Sunderland.
Manager Régis Le Bris has backed Xhaka to have a significant influence on the team. Xhaka's appointment as captain is seen as a statement arrival, adding leadership and quality to Sunderland's squad as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Key Details
- Transfer Fee: £17.3 million (reportedly £13 million initial fee)
- Contract: Not disclosed, but Xhaka had three years left on his Leverkusen deal
- Role: Central Midfielder, Defensive Midfielder
- Market Value: €12 million
Granit Xhaka joined the team at the age of 32, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at Arsenal, where he starred and captained the side, as well as playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic first Bundesliga title win.
Granit Xhaka, the new captain of Sunderland AFC! ❤️🫡
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 14, 2025
“It makes me incredibly proud to be captain of this club and this team. I hope to show my leadership on and off the pitch, helping my teammates in the training ground and across the club,” Xhaka expressed, highlighting his eagerness to contribute to his new team’s success.
“To be part of Sunderland’s history, alongside some of the names who have worn the armband before, is an honour.
“People who know me know exactly what they’ll get – I’m someone who demands a lot. I’m a winner and I want to win – and I expect the same from my teammates.”
© RLB on Granit Xhaka:
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 14, 2025
'His understanding of the game and his leadership skills are of the highest level. You can see instantly that he is a captain...' pic.twitter.com/v9gAylhAjl
Granit Xhaka takes over as the on-field captain, replacing academy graduate Dan Neil, who wore the armband previously. Xhaka joins a broader leadership team that will be finalized after the transfer window. Key members of this team are expected to include Luke O'Nien, the previous club captain, and potentially Dan Neil if he remains with the club.
Upcoming Premier League Match
Sunderland kicks off their Premier League campaign against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, August 16, with a 3 pm BST kickoff. This marks the team's return to the top flight after an eight-year absence.
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