Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Granit Xhaka from Arsenal for a reported €25m.
After weeks of speculation, the transfer of Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen has finally been confirmed. The 30-year-old Swiss midfielder will return to the Bundesliga with Die Werkself signing a long-term five-year deal that will see him remain at the BayArena until the summer of 2028.
“In Granit we have been able to bring in an absolute top player,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, before adding: “His ability on the pitch is well known. But, above all, there are few players who are able to so convincingly lead a team like he does thanks to his outstanding mentality and personality.”
Xhaka is currently the captain of the Swiss national team where he has featured 115 times, scoring 13 goals from midfield. He has been able to display his leadership qualities with his national side, while changing the opinion of Arsenal fans, proving the characteristics he can install into this young Leverkusen side.
“I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets,” remarked Xhaka, before adding: “Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Discussions with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I’m very much looking forward to the next few years.”
At Arsenal, the 30-year-old would win silverware in the form of two FA Cups as well as two FA Community Shields. He will look to add more medals to his trophy cabinet with Die Werkself, who have not won a major trophy since 2009 when they would lift the DFB-Pokal despite a strong showing in the Europa League last season reaching the semi-finals.
GGFN | Will Shopland