Shock Move: Xhaka Agrees Sunderland Deal Despite Ten Hag's Plea

GRANIT XHAKA has agreed a shock deal to join Sunderland.

Surprise talks for the Bayer Leverkusen ace to join the Black Cats began earlier this month.

4 Granit Xhaka is on the verge of joining Sunderland Credit: GETTY

4 The 32-year-old is set to sign a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light Credit: GETTY

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Xhaka was immediately keen on a move to the Stadium of Light when it was broached, informing the Leverkusen brass he'd only join the North East club if he were to leave the BayArena this summer .

And negotiations between all parties have borne fruit, with the former Arsenal skipper set to join Regis le Bris' side on a two-year deal.

Xhaka, 32, has been given the green light to fly to Sunderland to undergo a medical.

The Switzerland international's imminent departure comes just days after new Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag insisted he was too important to be sold.

The Dutchman said: “His agent can say whatever he wants.

"But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go.

“Granit is a leader and still has three years left on his contract here.

“It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract.

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"He’s too important to us to let him go."

Xhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in July 2023 on a five-year deal.

He's made 99 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists.

Xhaka scored in Leverkusen's 5-0 win over Werder Bremen last April to seal the club's first-ever Bundesliga title.