Wayne Rooney has described Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as “probably the signing of the season” after the midfielder’s influential start back in the Premier League.
Sunderland have made an encouraging return to the top flight, sitting fourth after 11 games with 19 points and looking well positioned to reach their principal aim of Premier League survival this season. Xhaka, who arrived in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £13m, has been central to that bright start.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder has started every league match and played every minute so far, contributing one goal and three assists. He tops Sunderland’s charts for assists, chances created, touches, successful passes, duels won, possession won and distance covered — evidence of the all-round impact he has had on the team.
Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, said coming back to the Premier League with a promoted club leaves questions over adaptation and influence, but added that Xhaka has answered them emphatically and been a standout signing.
Xhaka’s career before Sunderland includes 297 appearances for Arsenal and two FA Cup winners’ medals. His time at the Gunners was occasionally turbulent — he was sent off five times, had a six-week spell as captain in 2019, fell out with some supporters and eventually lost the armband. His fortunes improved under Mikel Arteta, however, and he became a key player before moving on in 2023.
At Bayer Leverkusen he played a role in their first Bundesliga title in more than a decade, further underlining his quality and resilience. Rooney praised Xhaka’s character, saying that bouncing back from difficult moments at Arsenal, returning to form and then helping Leverkusen to a historic title demonstrates what a strong player he is.
Rooney also highlighted Xhaka’s value off the ball and in the dressing room: with a relatively young Sunderland squad, his experience makes him almost a father figure and a crucial link for the manager. His leadership, Rooney said, will be a major asset as Sunderland navigate the rest of the season.
