Bayer Leverkusen sign Granit Xhaka from Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Arsenal.
Xhaka made 37 English Premier League appearances in 2022/23 as Arsenal finished second to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. The 30-year-old, who played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Mönchengladbach between 2014 and 2016, has signed a five-year deal through to 30 June 2028.
"I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London," Xhaka said in quotes on the official Leverkusen website. "Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets. Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. I'm very much looking forward to the next few years."
Watch: Xhaka's medical and signing
Xhaka was a regular in the Arsenal midfield, making 297 competitive appearances across a seven-year stint with the London outfit. He helped the Gunners win two FA Cups, adding to the back-to-back Swiss Super League titles he lifted with boyhood club Basel.
Between times, the 115-time Switzerland international - his country's captain since September 2018 - made 140 appearances for Gladbach, including 108 in the Bundesliga.
"In Granit we have been able to bring in an absolute top player," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "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."
Watch: The best of Granit Xhaka's six Bundesliga goals to date!
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Leverkusen finished sixth in last season's Bundesliga, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage. Xabi Alonso's team begin the new season away to minnows Teutonia Ottensen in the DFB Cup first round (12 August), before hosting RB Leipzig on Bundesliga Matchday 1 a week later (TBD).
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