Reliable reporter: “True leader” is “open” to an exit, Sunderland “exploring” move to sign him

Journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Sunderland is “exploring a move” for a “true leader” this summer.

The Black Cats are well-positioned to escape relegation.

It will be challenging for the Black Cats to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League after eight years away, but former Everton manager Keith Wyness believes they are well-positioned to do it.

“I love what Sunderland is doing, and they won’t be in my bottom six for next year,” Wyness said. In fact, they’re among the few promoted teams that I think have a strong chance of staying in the league.

“Now, yesterday I was talking to someone who I consider to be one of the league’s top agents, and he told me to keep an eye out for Diarra at Sunderland, the player they signed from Strasbourg. “He thinks that next year he will be a revelation.”

Even though Leeds United, another freshly promoted team, was also interested, Regis Le Bris’ team did a great job of acquiring Habib Diarra. However, with Jobe Bellingham’s departure, it could be wise to get another center midfield player.

Another update on the future of the maestro has come after Sunderland recently announced that they have begun negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible £8.5 million signing for midfielder Granit Xhaka.

 

Jacobs stated on X that the Black Cats are still “exploring a move” for Xhaka, despite the possibility that NEOM SC, a Saudi Pro League team, would compete for them.

Even though the midfielder has three years left on his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, the reporter said he is “open to an exit” this summer, which might lead to a move to the Stadium of Light.

“True leader” Xhaka might be Sunderland’s best bet.

Although it may sound cliche, teams need leaders in the locker room to be successful, and the Leverkusen midfielder most definitely meets that need.

Former manager Xabi Alonso praised the impact the Switzerland international had at Leverkusen both on and off the field, saying, “When we had a chance to start with Granit, we had no doubts because of his personality, his qualities, and what he delivers, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.”

“He really is a leader… We have become a better squad and much more mature as a result of him.

Crucially, the former Arsenal player has a ton of league experience and could be a great addition to a Sunderland squad attempting to stay in the league after playing 225 games for the Gunners.