OFFICIAL DEAL SEALD; Sunderland agree personal terms with midfielder as Black Cats starlet eyed for EFL loan transfer – round-up. Fabrizio Romano report
Granit Xhaka Edges Closer to Sunderland Move After Agreeing Personal Terms
Sunderland appear to be closing in on the high-profile signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, with reports indicating that the Swiss international has agreed personal terms with the club ahead of a potential transfer to the North East.
The former Arsenal captain has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League in recent days, with speculation swirling over his next destination.
But on Tuesday afternoon, respected transfer journalist David Ornstein revealed via social media that Xhaka is pushing for a move to Sunderland and has already agreed terms with the Black Cats.
Taking to X, Ornstein wrote:
“Granit Xhaka informs Bayer Leverkusen he only wants to join Sunderland as club-to-club talks continue. Agreement now in place between 32yo & SAFC. Bayer04 asked by Switzerland midfielder to close deal rapidly. Negotiations ongoing.”
Soon after, Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguera also confirmed the player’s intentions, telling GiveMeSport:
“We have reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland on personal terms. Granit is eager to return to the Premier League and sees this as an exciting new challenge. What remains is for the clubs to reach an agreement.”
Noguera went on to express gratitude to Leverkusen, where Xhaka has enjoyed a strong spell:
“Granit has valued his time at Leverkusen, and we’re thankful for everything the club has done for him.
While he is enthusiastic about joining Sunderland, he fully respects Leverkusen’s position and hopes negotiations continue positively, given the excellent relationship they share.”
Jenson Jones Set for Potential Loan Move
In other news, promising Sunderland youngster Jenson Jones is attracting loan interest from multiple EFL clubs.
The 19-year-old defender made a strong impression with Graeme Murty’s U21 side last season and has recently been involved in the senior squad’s pre-season training camp in Portugal under new head coach Regis Le Bris.
Despite his progress, it’s understood that regular first-team minutes may be difficult to come by this season, especially following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. As a result, a loan move is being considered to aid his development.
According to EFL Analysis, League Two sides Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, and Crewe Alexandra, as well as Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock, are all interested in securing Jones on a season-long loan.
The versatile defender is comfortable playing on either flank, making him an appealing option for clubs looking to bolster their back line.
