Wayne Rooney hails surprise star as ‘signing of the season’ after stunning start to 2025–26 campaign
Granit Xhaka has been praised by Wayne Rooney as “probably the signing of the season” due to his outstanding impact on Sunderland’s incredible return to the Premier League.
Since coming from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, the 33-year-old Swiss star has played a crucial role in the newly promoted team’s ascent to fourth place by providing leadership, consistency, and class to a youthful team.
The football community was taken aback by Xhaka’s move to Sunderland in July of last year, but four months into the 2025–26 season, the choice is turning out to be a wise one.
The Black Cats, who were just promoted, are currently fourth in the Premier League standings after 11 games, only one point outside of the top three, thanks in large part to the former Arsenal midfielder.
Under head coach Regis Le Bris, Xhaka has started and finished every league game, and his poise and control in midfield have been the foundation of Sunderland’s success.
The Swiss international has made three assists and one goal, but his influence goes much beyond the numbers.
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His crucial position in the team is highlighted by the fact that he leads the team in nearly every important measure, from assists and opportunities created to successful passes, duels won, and distance covered.
As captain, Xhaka has given a young Sunderland team adjusting to the top division for the first time since 2017 structure and consistency.
In addition to silencing those who doubted his ability to compete in the Premier League at the age of 33, his achievements have won him considerable acclaim from commentators and, most recently, from a Premier League veteran in Rooney.
Xhaka is referred to by Rooney as the “signing of the season”
Legendary Manchester United player and Premier League player Rooney praised Xhaka’s influence and called him the season’s best acquisition thus far.
“Coming back to the Premier League, you wonder if he can do it,” he stated in an interview with The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC.
Obviously, what effect might he have given the impending promotion of a team? However, he has likely been the season’s best addition. He’s been outstanding.”
Referencing his difficult years at Arsenal, Rooney continued to emphasise the midfield player’s tenacity: “When he had the situation with Arsenal, when he fell out with the fans it showed his character to go and play for Arsenal again.”
He has proven to be a fine player by overcoming it, going on to play for Arsenal, and then joining a club at Leverkusen to defeat Bayern Munich and win the title for the first time in more than ten years.”
“Sunderland have got a very young squad as well,” he said, praising Xhaka’s effect off the pitch, especially in a young Sunderland team.
As captain, he would serve as the coach’s go-between and be almost like a father figure. And they signed a lot of players in the summer, and he will undoubtedly use his knowledge to aid the management and the players.”
One of the more interesting Premier League stories of the year is Xhaka’s tale at Sunderland.
The Swiss international came to the Northeast with both experience and expectations after joining in a reported £17 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the team win its first Bundesliga title in 2024.
Recognising the leadership traits that had characterised his later years at Arsenal and Leverkusen, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris appointed him captain right away.
Since making his debut, Xhaka has embodied professionalism and tactical acumen, adjusting to Sunderland’s flexible 4-3-3 formation with ease.
The team’s disciplined build-up play and compact defensive structure have been built on his composure in possession, positional knowledge, and vocal authority.
His impact is unparalleled statistically, as seen by his top ranking in touches, chances created, and recoveries per game—metrics that highlight his profound integration into every aspect of Sunderland’s strategy.
Given the criticism he received while at Arsenal, Xhaka’s career comeback is especially remarkable. He was once seen as a contentious figure, but now he is regarded as one of Europe’s most esteemed midfield generals.
Sunderland’s young lineup has flourished around him thanks to his experience at Leverkusen, where he found his form under Xabi Alonso.
Now that Sunderland is leading the Premier League, the emphasis is on sustaining their momentum into the winter.
Following the international break, the Black Cats will play Fulham and Bournemouth before taking on Manchester City and Liverpool, two real giants.
Le Bris’ team’s ability to sustain their early form and genuinely contend for European positions this season will be put to the test in those two games, much as their draw with Arsenal.
Xhaka continues to set the standard during practice and on game days, showing no signs of slowing down.
His background in elite European competitions has given Sunderland a competitive advantage and an identity based on self-assurance and discipline, traits that permeate the entire team.
