RLB’s quotes on AFCON were interesting. Basically said by the time we are done we’ll have enough depth that it won’t be a problem
Transfer Rumours Summer Transfer window
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Yep that is.
On Xhaka being the "domino" that shows everyone we mean business, I do agree. But I also think that effect may already be starting. Major outlets saying Xhaka wants to come to Sunderland might have all the effect we need, even if the deal itself isn't worked out (which it probably will be).
Players will think "well if its good enough for Xhaka to want to leave the champions league..."
James Copley: Granit Xhaka deal could trigger transfer domino effect at Sunderland – why fans are dreaming
Why Sunderland fans are dreaming big as Granit Xhaka edges closer to sensational Stadium of Light move
As Sunderland edge closer to the unthinkable – the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen – the excitement around Wearside is more than just about landing a top player. It’s about what it represents.
This isn’t just a signing. It’s a signal. A symbol of intent. A moment that many fans thought might never come. For so long, Sunderland have operated under constraints. Smart, sustainable, ambitious – but measured. The arrival of Xhaka would be a break from the past, and a leap towards something bigger.
A Champions League midfielder, an invincibles title-winner in Germany, a man with over 220 Premier League appearances, 137 international caps, and a story in the beautiful game that commands respect across the footballing world. This deal feels different because it is different.
Though we must note that the deal is not yet done and there appears to be some work to do in terms of a club-to-club agreement before we can all get excited about tracking aeroplane voyages, scarf pictures and people being spotted in and around the Jacky White’s Market area.
Why Granit Xhaka would change the landscape for Sunderland
Xhaka is more than just a name. He’s a leader, a mentor, a benchmark. The idea of him in red and white doesn’t just excite supporters because of his pedigree, but because of the knock-on effect his presence could have on the Black Cats’ young team at the Academy of Light and, potentially, their future transfer policy.
Suddenly, the two centre-backs Sunderland are targeting this summer – both high-level players in their own right – might see a move to Wearside as a safer bet. A more serious project. When you can attract a player of Xhaka's profile, it changes how other players view you. The Premier League challenge becomes credible. It signals the Black Cats are coming to thrive, not just survive.
For the likes of Chris Rigg and even Sunderland’s most recent young signings still adjusting to English football, Xhaka could be transformative. Here is a player who was booed off the pitch by his own supporters at Arsenal, stripped of the captaincy – only to come back stronger, win back the dressing room, and become a club figurehead again. That story alone is worth its weight in gold inside a young dressing room. He is a driver of standards
A dream Sunderland fans never expected to realise
Let’s be honest. Sunderland fans wanted this kind of move. But how many truly believed something of this magnitude and ambition would be on the cards this summer? To go from League One to potentially signing a current international starter and Champions League player in just over three years feels staggering. In July 2021, Sunderland signed George Dobson...now, it is a very different story.
This is a club that has fought its way back from the brink. A club that saw rock bottom come under Phil Parkinson as the Wearsiders slipped to 15th in the third tier at one point. A club that rebuilt with a plan, with youth, and with patience. To now be in the conversation to sign a player who last season was instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign? It conjures dreams of a better future in the Premier League.
What is football without fantasy driven by transfers?
Could Xhaka become this generation’s Stefan Schwarz – a talismanic and quality midfield figure as Sunderland climb the Premier League ladder once again? It’s a lofty comparison in terms of Sunderland’s likely league position this season, yes, but that’s exactly what a transfer of this scale invites. And really, what’s football without a little fantasy?
We dreamed of these moments. Of Sunderland being able to sign someone of this calibre. Someone who still has plenty left in the tank, but who has already done it all. Someone who can guide the club through what will be a brutal but exhilarating Premier League season. Whatever the cost – transfer fee or wages – Xhaka will be worth it. Because this deal is about more than stats. It’s about status. And Sunderland, with this signing, might just be announcing that they’re back and wish to remain so.
James Copley: Granit Xhaka deal could trigger transfer domino effect at Sunderland – why fans are dreaming
Why Sunderland fans are dreaming big as Granit Xhaka edges closer to sensational Stadium of Light move
As Sunderland edge closer to the unthinkable – the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen – the excitement around Wearside is more than just about landing a top player. It’s about what it represents.
This isn’t just a signing. It’s a signal. A symbol of intent. A moment that many fans thought might never come. For so long, Sunderland have operated under constraints. Smart, sustainable, ambitious – but measured. The arrival of Xhaka would be a break from the past, and a leap towards something bigger.
A Champions League midfielder, an invincibles title-winner in Germany, a man with over 220 Premier League appearances, 137 international caps, and a story in the beautiful game that commands respect across the footballing world. This deal feels different because it is different.
Though we must note that the deal is not yet done and there appears to be some work to do in terms of a club-to-club agreement before we can all get excited about tracking aeroplane voyages, scarf pictures and people being spotted in and around the Jacky White’s Market area.
Why Granit Xhaka would change the landscape for Sunderland
Xhaka is more than just a name. He’s a leader, a mentor, a benchmark. The idea of him in red and white doesn’t just excite supporters because of his pedigree, but because of the knock-on effect his presence could have on the Black Cats’ young team at the Academy of Light and, potentially, their future transfer policy.
Suddenly, the two centre-backs Sunderland are targeting this summer – both high-level players in their own right – might see a move to Wearside as a safer bet. A more serious project. When you can attract a player of Xhaka's profile, it changes how other players view you. The Premier League challenge becomes credible. It signals the Black Cats are coming to thrive, not just survive.
For the likes of Chris Rigg and even Sunderland’s most recent young signings still adjusting to English football, Xhaka could be transformative. Here is a player who was booed off the pitch by his own supporters at Arsenal, stripped of the captaincy – only to come back stronger, win back the dressing room, and become a club figurehead again. That story alone is worth its weight in gold inside a young dressing room. He is a driver of standards
A dream Sunderland fans never expected to realise
Let’s be honest. Sunderland fans wanted this kind of move. But how many truly believed something of this magnitude and ambition would be on the cards this summer? To go from League One to potentially signing a current international starter and Champions League player in just over three years feels staggering. In July 2021, Sunderland signed George Dobson...now, it is a very different story.
This is a club that has fought its way back from the brink. A club that saw rock bottom come under Phil Parkinson as the Wearsiders slipped to 15th in the third tier at one point. A club that rebuilt with a plan, with youth, and with patience. To now be in the conversation to sign a player who last season was instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign? It conjures dreams of a better future in the Premier League.
What is football without fantasy driven by transfers?
Could Xhaka become this generation’s Stefan Schwarz – a talismanic and quality midfield figure as Sunderland climb the Premier League ladder once again? It’s a lofty comparison in terms of Sunderland’s likely league position this season, yes, but that’s exactly what a transfer of this scale invites. And really, what’s football without a little fantasy?
We dreamed of these moments. Of Sunderland being able to sign someone of this calibre. Someone who still has plenty left in the tank, but who has already done it all. Someone who can guide the club through what will be a brutal but exhilarating Premier League season. Whatever the cost – transfer fee or wages – Xhaka will be worth it. Because this deal is about more than stats. It’s about status. And Sunderland, with this signing, might just be announcing that they’re back and wish to remain so.
James Copley: Granit Xhaka deal could trigger transfer domino effect at Sunderland – why fans are dreaming
Slow news day 
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That is a really good article - I think Luke will go on to be a very good coach - hopefully he stays with us and becomes that.
He is a shining example of someone who has made the absolute most of his talent, and proved everyone wrong season after season, I'd back him to do it again this year.
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I'll be a bit more reserved and realistic in saying I dont think we get 2 top centre backs for 55 million. Might be a bit too beyond us financially...though I hope not. I think it'll be Diakite or Lucumi. But honestly, even one would be tremendous. I wonder if we utilise the loan market for another centre back. Loan to buy is something to look out for.
Bild usually back the German clubs in negotiations like this so the fact they say its likely is very reassuring
I think you're right that it will be one "big" one. Diakite and Lucumi feels unlikely to me too. But we can dream.
Think that’s the final team of the pre KLD era. After that we had Speakman influence - even if the available players hadn’t changed much at that point.
I disagree but can see your view.
50-60 million euros on a CB pairing is what I see atm with loans for other positions
of course you could be right but just my opinion
So a bit of a change of tune from their reports yesterday
Looking forward to Abdullahi ragdolling him already
Xhaka won’t have discussed everything with family, friends, parents, etc only to change his plans …
… he's not a single 20yo who can go somewhere on a whim.
Kids have schools, wives have careers, parents need to know where Ponteland airport is
I think Abdullahi screams of a champ loan where he can go and bag 20 hahaLooking forward to Abdullahi ragdolling him already
Proof to anyone from our squad from last season who are daunted by the quality of the players coming in. that if you are prepared to knuckle down and graft, then you can achieve much greater things.
O'Nien was hooked at half time on his debut. Now look at where he is. Hard work and desire to learn can get you far.
All joking aside about the play offs etc, but somewhere like Coventry would be ideal for a loan for him
She’ll be looking for a LV store in the bridges only to be greeted by 4 different Greggs and a marketXhaka won’t have discussed everything with family, friends, parents, etc only to change his plans …
… he's not a single 20yo who can go somewhere on a whim.
Kids have schools, wives have careers, parents need to know where Ponteland airport is
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Sunderland’s hopes of signing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí remain alive, despite earlier suggestions the Colombian was set on joining a club with European football.
The Jhon Lucumí Sunderland transfer has taken a positive turn after Il Resto del Carlino confirmed that Sunderland’s €20m bid has not been rejected and is still under consideration. Bologna have yet to receive a second offer, but the urgency shown in scouting replacements signals they are preparing for a possible exit.
Club sporting director Giovanni Sartori reportedly flew to Belgium to scout Union St Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen — a clear indication that Bologna are seriously weighing up Sunderland’s approach.
Why Lucumí Is Considering the Move
Although the 27-year-old had previously been linked with European-bound clubs, sources in Italy now suggest that Lucumí hasn’t ruled out Sunderland — and is giving the move genuine consideration.
“It’s not over yet,” claim Il Resto del Carlino, adding that Lucumí is reflecting on Sunderland’s proposal while Bologna actively prepare for his departure. — Il Resto del Carlino
Honestly sending them our 3rd choice striker on loan to start for them would probably send some of them over the edge
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