Xhaka Sunderland Impact: Signing of the Season Drives Top-Four Push
Key Points
- Xhaka Sunderland impact: £13m from Leverkusen summer 2025; 1-1 Everton draw goal returns to top four.
- Three assists; 52 long passes (top 20); nine set-play chances.
- Xhaka Sunderland impact: man of match; Carragher “head and shoulders.”
- Captain; mentors youth; first PL goal since Arsenal 2023.
- Xhaka Sunderland impact: promoted side Champions League spot quarter-season.
Midfield Maestro
Xhaka Sunderland impact: experience elevates Black Cats.
Statistical Dominance
Xhaka Sunderland impact: league-leading metrics.
Xhaka Sunderland Impact: From Leverkusen to Premier League Revival
Summer Signing Triumph
Xhaka Sunderland impact: £13m move from unbeaten Bundesliga winners Leverkusen. 33-year-old captain immediate leader. Everton 1-1: 25-yard screamer—first PL goal since Arsenal Wolves double May 2023. Top four regained. Xhaka Sunderland impact: “Signing of season,” Carragher pre-match.
Man of Match Performance
Post-game Carragher: “Excellent—above all.” Le Bris: “Important young squad—sets standards.” Evans: “Only real experience—rely anything.” Xhaka Sunderland impact: connected, competitive.
League-Wide Stats
Three assists (three players four). Joint-11th chances created. Nine set-play setups (two better). 52 long passes (second Senesi 56, fewer attempts). Top 20: 552 passes, 56 box balls, 49 possession won. Xhaka Sunderland impact: outfield elite.
Arsenal Redemption Arc
297 Arsenal apps 2016-2023; five red cards; 2019 captaincy clash fans, stripped. Arteta revival; key player. Leverkusen title 2023-24 Xabi Alonso. Ten Hag refused sale; sacked weeks post-Xhaka exit. Xhaka: “Happy back—show day by day.” Xhaka Sunderland impact: character proven.
Squad Influence
Young/promoted roster; Xhaka talisman. Gabbiadini BBC Newcastle: “Top professional—matured, measured.” “Wrap cotton wool—38 games.” Xhaka Sunderland impact: calms, leads.
Key Data: Xhaka Sunderland Impact (November 2025)
| Metric | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer | £13m Leverkusen | Summer 2025 |
| Assists | 3 | Top 4 |
| Long Passes | 52 | 2nd outfield |
| Set-Play Chances | 9 | Top 3 |
| First PL Goal | Everton draw | Since 2023 |
Looking Ahead
Xhaka Sunderland impact: top 10 or survival legendary. “Talisman,” Gabbiadini. Fans on X: “Granit king—top four!” Promotion fairytale.
