Sunderland’s wild ambition in the summertime switch window up to now signifies that they are looking for extra than simply survival when leaping as much as the Premier League.
As an alternative, the Black Cats are dreaming of taking the top-flight by storm, with signings in via the door comparable to Habib Diarra for a whopping £30m chomping on the bit to turn out to be a star on the high degree.
That’s simpler stated than carried out with no Premier League expertise subsequent to your identify, however he’ll hope he can settle in swiftly to his pressurised atmosphere when linking up with potential new teammate Granit Xhaka, who has been carried out there and carried out that within the unforgiving league beforehand.
Why Sunderland are chasing after Xhaka
Certainly, Xhaka appears to be like to be edging ever nearer to a return to England, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg going so far as to disclose that the Black Cats have agreed private phrases with the Swiss.
There’s a sticking level nonetheless on the subject of his £17m valuation – and Erik ten Hag’s want to maintain maintain of him – however when in comparison with Sunderland’s different extreme summer season spending, this does not really feel like an inflated value to pay for a midfield enforcer who’s well-versed in what it takes to be a hit story within the Premier League.
While he wasn’t at all times within the Arsenal good books throughout his prolonged 297-game keep in North London, owing to his full-blooded shows typically going overboard, he could be a welcome addition to Le Bris’ camp all the identical, particularly as they attempt to acquire extra top-flight expertise of their camp.
In spite of everything, Xhaka would impressively notch up 17 targets and 24 assists throughout 225 league outings for the Gunners earlier than in search of out pastures new with Bayer Leverkusen, on high of launching himself into 1001 duels in complete as a combative presence well-suited to a possible relegation tussle.
But, even at 32 years of age, Xhaka will hope he can get much more out of his different recreation on his reentry to the full of life degree, with one other new signing on Sunderland’s agenda probably happening to be a dream teammate for the left-footed battler to work alongside.
Sensational Sunderland goal may very well be a dream for Xhaka
Xhaka bowed out of the Emirates in 2023 after arguably experiencing one among his most interesting seasons in Arsenal pink, along with his output of seven targets and 7 assists very a lot protruding.
Throughout his two earlier seasons earlier than bowing out in fashion, Xhaka would solely gather six targets and assists in complete, as these on the Stadium of Mild now hope this magic when it comes to providing targets and assists – away from his identified picture of being attritional – involves the forefront on Wearside to assist survival be reached at a minimal.
He may nicely shine even brighter on this regard if Bilal El Khannouss seals a swap to the Black Cats shortly, with the inventive Leicester Metropolis machine probably set to make a transfer to Sunderland for across the £22.5m mark, amid curiosity additionally coming from Aston Villa.
Amazingly, regardless of the Foxes succumbing to relegation final season, the Moroccan would stand out as an entertaining playmaker all marketing campaign lengthy when placing in lots of a memorable show for his doomed outfit.
El Khannouss’ league numbers for Leicester (24/25) | |
---|---|
Stat (* = per recreation) | El Khannouss |
Video games performed | 32 |
Objectives scored | 2 |
Assists | 3 |
Touches* | 42.5 |
Correct passes* | 24.0 (80%) |
Key passes* | 1.3 |
Large probabilities created | 8 |
Complete duels received* | 3.6 |
Stats by Sofascore |
An encouraging two targets and three assists would come El Khannouss’ manner from 32 league clashes, with Xhaka maybe prepared to attain much more of his trademark strikes from exterior of the field when being teed up by the £22.5m star, off the again of him creating eight huge probabilities on the foot of the Premier League.
The connection will, little doubt, be reciprocal, too, as El Khannouss turns into much more clued up in regards to the challenges of the daunting division, understanding he is partnered subsequent to a person who is aware of easy methods to battle and reach such a brutal terrain.
Including Xhaka is a jaw-dropping transfer for Sunderland to make, however throwing the “sensational” Moroccan – as he is been labelled by soccer analyst Ben Mattinson – into the combo, too, could be one more chic transfer that catches the attention.
Ultimately, the midfield duo may nicely turn out to be a devastating pressure collectively that in the end helps the Black Cats turn out to be a shock Premier League package deal.
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