Granit Xhaka keen to join Sunderland as talks progress

Granit Xhaka wants to join Sunderland immediately and has clearly expressed his desire to return to the Premier League.

According to Jose Noguera, the player's agent, “We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland. Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”

The player has told Bayer Leverkusen that his only destination would be Sunderland, with whom he has already agreed personal terms. Negotiations between the two clubs continue to progress in order to finalise a financial deal for the Swiss midfielder.

Xhaka is motivated by the prospect of playing for a team that offers him a leading role and a new competitive challenge. His experience in Europe's elite and the Premier League could be key to Sunderland achieving their goal of staying in England's elite.

David Ornstein confirmed that talks between clubs are ongoing and that the transfer is at an advanced stage. Bayer Leverkusen have so far not closed the door on negotiations, but are hoping to secure the best possible terms.