What did Wayne Rooney say about Granit Xhaka?

Wayne Rooney called Granit Xhaka "probably the best signing of the Premier League season" and praised the Sunderland midfielder's exceptional performances.

How much did Sunderland pay to sign Granit Xhaka?

Sunderland signed Granit Xhaka from Leverkusen for around 14 million francs.

How has Sunderland performed since Xhaka joined the team?

Sunderland has had an impressive start to the season, sitting in 4th place with 19 points after 11 matches, which is much closer to the Champions League than to relegation.

Home / Sports / Sunderland's Surprise Star Xhaka Hailed as Premier League's Best Signing

Sunderland's Surprise Star Xhaka Hailed as Premier League's Best Signing

12 Nov

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Summary

Wayne Rooney calls Granit Xhaka "probably the best signing of the Premier League season"
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Leverkusen for 14 million francs
Xhaka established himself as an "undisputed leader" at Sunderland

Sunderland's Surprise Star Xhaka Hailed as Premier League's Best Signing

As of November 12th, 2025, Wayne Rooney has hailed Granit Xhaka, Sunderland's newest star, as "probably the best signing of the Premier League season." Xhaka, who joined the promoted club from Leverkusen for 14 million francs last summer, has been a standout performer for Sunderland, who currently sit in 4th place in the league standings with 19 points after 11 matches.

Rooney praised Xhaka's bravery in joining a newly-promoted team, noting that the 33-year-old midfielder from Basel has "established himself as an undisputed leader" in Sunderland's impressive start to the campaign. The former Manchester United star also highlighted Xhaka's resilience, recalling how the player had "turned the Arsenal supporters against him" during his time in London, before winning back his place in the team and going on to win the championship with Leverkusen.