Key Highlights
- Granit Xhaka’s transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to AFC Sunderland last summer was initially ridiculed by many.
- Xhaka has become the heart of Sunderland’s midfield and a key player in their surprising performance.
- The Swiss midfielder has proven all his critics wrong with his consistent performances, leadership, and physicality.
- Sunderland is currently performing well, competing for a top position in the Premier League.
From Ridicule to Success: Granit Xhaka’s Unexpected Journey at Sunderland
In July 2025, Granit Xhaka made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The former Bundesliga star, known for his prowess in midfield and leadership qualities, surprisingly moved from Bayer Leverkusen to AFC Sunderland—a newly promoted team from the English Championship. Many fans and pundits mocked his decision, questioning why a player of his caliber would subject himself to the relegation battle in England.
The skepticism was palpable as Xhaka attempted to introduce himself to Sunderland fans through a video.
His vague responses fueled jokes about his lack of clarity regarding even basic information about his new club and city. The tweet, “I’m excited to play alongside… Finish the sentence with Granit Xhaka! 💬,” went viral, further cementing the notion that Xhaka was not well-prepared for his transition.
Unveiling a Midfield Dynamo
Despite initial doubts, Xhaka’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular. He quickly became the undisputed heart of Sunderland’s midfield, leading in crucial statistics such as ball contacts, duels won, and successful passes. His vision on the pitch also made him the team’s best playmaker with three assists.
More impressively, Xhaka has been an ever-present figure, not missing a single Premier League minute so far this season.
Sunderland’s performance has been nothing short of surprising. The newly promoted team has collected 17 points in just nine games, placing them among the top teams. This performance puts Sunderland on the verge of second place, matching their legendary 2015/16 championship season in terms of points.
Leadership and Solidarity
Sunderland’s coach, Régis Le Bris, highlights Xhaka’s pivotal role. He emphasizes that Xhaka is the team captain and sets standards every day on the pitch. “He is like a second coach,” Coach Le Bris remarked, underscoring his leadership qualities.
For Xhaka himself, the move to Sunderland has been about more than just points and league positions. In interviews over recent weeks, he has repeatedly stated that he sought this challenge for moments of “solidarity and suffering,” allowing him to experience a different side of football. His physicality is on full display as well; running more than anyone else in the Premier League during his first season at Sunderland.
Proving Skeptics Wrong
The transformation from ridicule to success has been nothing short of remarkable. Xhaka’s performances have not only silenced critics but also earned him accolades such as being called the club’s “good luck charm” and even named the “best transfer of the season.” Sunderland’s current form, with a rescheduled match against Everton on Monday evening, could see them secure an incredible second-place finish.
The journey from doubter to hero encapsulates Xhaka’s resilience and adaptability. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes taking calculated risks can lead to unexpected rewards in the world of professional sports. As Sunderland continues their impressive run, the spotlight remains on Granit Xhaka, who has turned a seemingly backward step into a stepping stone towards greater heights.
