Granit Xhaka has been one of the signings of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign after his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland last summer.
Eyebrows were collectively raised across the footballing world back in late July of last summer when newly-promoted Sunderland announced the £17m signing of former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.
The veteran central midfielder called time on his outstanding two season stint with German giants Bayer Leverkusen, after helping the Bundesliga outfit complete a miraculous unbeaten title win in his debut season.
With many on-looking doubters writing the Black Cats off for an instant demotion back down to the second tier of English football, it seemed almost unfathomable for some that a player in the ilk of Xhaka chose potentially relegation-threatened Sunderland for his swansong.
However, his performances and true leadership has been imperative for the prospects of Regis Le Bris’ side this season, who still continue to fight for a finish in the European places heading into this weekend’s visit of Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, Xhaka’s enigmatic efforts were recognised with an individual award, and he had some choice words for his summer doubters.
Xhaka named Sunderland’s player of the season for 2025/26 campaign
Unsurprisingly, captain Xhaka was named as Sunderland's player of the season for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, following his unmistakable debut year in the red-and-white stripes.
At the base of Le Bris’ midfield, the Swiss captain has been the conductor for the Black Cats, dictating both the tempo and direction of every game he has featured in.
Not only has he been exceptional in screening the defence and helping to progress possession from deep, the seasoned 33-year-old midfielder also tops Sunderland’s assist charts, with six to his name thus far in his 31 top flight outings this term.
Despite several summer signings making monumental impacts in their first season on Wearside, to help the club not only survive but thrive, it was only ever going to be the Sunderland skipper to be named the club’s player of the season.
In the wake of his award, Xhaka sent an emphatic message to those who “questioned” his decision to join Sunderland last summer.
He said on Instagram: “People questioned the move. I trusted the vision...
“Today, standing here as Player of the Year, I feel nothing but pride, gratitude and hunger for more.
“To the fans thank you for embracing me from day one, for your passion, your belief and your unconditional support through every battle. This club means everything.”
Could Xhaka become Sunderland head coach one day?
For the Sunderland faithful, it has been a season to remember upon their long-awaited return to the Premier League, but on reflection, the campaign would not have been the same without Xhaka in the heart of this side.
In a similar fashion to the way Sergio Busquets did at Barcelona or Rodri does so at Manchester City, the Black Cats captain does not need to rely on pace of raw athleticism to impact proceedings.
The years of experience and nous honed during his over 15-year professional career means that the game flows through him at every moment, at the same time he dictates where his teammates need to move and operate.
When watching Xhaka play, it is almost akin to having another coach on the pitch rather than the sideline.
Given that the 144-capped Swiss international is working towards becoming a manager once his playing career curtails, then he could well return to the Stadium of Light dugout one day, and the Black Cats faithful would undoubtedly be keen to see Xhaka’s Wearside legacy continue.