sunderland

[Infinitely Content]

With Xhaka in there, should it happen and providing he's still up to it athletically (although that's never been a standout attribute of his), I think they're recruiting and proving more attractive than I thought they might. 

Proof is on the pitch of course.

[TK-421]

 

[Menace]

Baffling really - Xhaka is still quality.

[Miggys First Goal]

28 minutes ago, Joelinton7 said:

Only wants Sunderland

 

 

This has to be a wind up surely. Only wants Sunderland. Said no one ever. 

[Loki679]

Makes sense from his point of view though.  They'll be desperate to get him in so he can get a decent wage on a longish (3 years maybe) that'll easily see him to retirement.

[Menace]

If it was a case of money he'd have gone Saudi - Saudi clubs wanted him.

[Deuce]

31 minutes ago, The Prophet said:

Really not sure what to make of their business this summer.

 

At least they're giving it a go, but I'm not at all convinced they've signed the requird quality to bridge the enormous gulf in class between the two leagues.

Signed a bunch of promising young players they can take with them back to the Champo and/or hope to turn a profit on.

[Decky]

Would you take him here as a squad player?

[Loki679]

6 minutes ago, Menace said:

If it was a case of money he'd have gone Saudi - Saudi clubs wanted him.

 

Aye but if he went there he'd probably end up having to live somewhere close by that has a more progressive culture, better facilities, more arts and nightlife and is just generally a far superior place.

 

Oh.  Doesn't matter.

 

 

Edited July 22, 2025 by loki679

[Geogaddi]

2 minutes ago, Decky said:

Would you take him here as a squad player?

When you look at our current squad then he would definitely be a decent 4th/5th option in midfield but I would like to think we end up with better by the end of the window .

[Joelinton7]

15 minutes ago, Miggys First Goal said:

This has to be a wind up surely. Only wants Sunderland. Said no one ever. 

Mags are fewmin marra

[GWN]

11 minutes ago, Decky said:

Would you take him here as a squad player?

 

 

no mate , never

[TheInfiniteOdyssey]

Xhaka is a really astute signing, provides experience and quality to lead their younger, talented players. 

[Elliottman]

That’s really strange like, must be offering some wedge. 

[Crayola Kid]

Let's see him without Arsenal's ref protection

[Big River]

Xhaks for me like

[Kooiman]

You can't spin it for me. Xhaka is a very talented player and even if he's diminished slightly from his Arsenal days he should be the perfect anchor for their midfield. It may take time for the midfield to gel assuming he's playing alongside the two other new arrivals, but it's an astute bit of business (dare I say far better than grabbing Jordan Henderson). I can see them trying to play on the break a lot this season and he'll be ideal for playing those quick transition passes. 

 

EDIT: To avoid double posting in quick succession, ironically, I wouldn't take him here. For all his experience he's not likely to be charging around the pitch. It's that old Johan Cryuff principle of Pep Guardiola being one of the best defending midfielders in the world if the space is small. I'm not saying Xhaka is one of the best in the world, but you don't want him trying to cover large areas, and one of the trade offs with our style under Eddie Howe is big open spaces at the back. 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2025 by Kooiman

[The Butcher]

Would 100% take Xhaka. Very decent squad option.

[deejeck]

1 hour ago, TK-421 said:

 

Just had a quick look through the comments, it's rattled a few of them.  It's like the Honey Monster advert all over again.

[TK-421]

8 minutes ago, deejeck said:

Just had a quick look through the comments, it's rattled a few of them.  It's like the Honey Monster advert all over again.

Did like this one...

"Things only Ten Hag can make you say"

[TBG]

By rules of elimination, only wanting Sunderland means he's turned down Newcastle, mags are fuming 🤣😂

[Geordie Ahmed]

Xhaka is a very smart signing, premier league proven and also very experienced which is exactly what they need

 

Right now if I had to call it I'd say they will stay up, they aren't going to compete for a European spot like some of them think but are they looking better than 3 other sides? I think so

 

Though hopefully they get smashed by West Ham on the opening day and it demoralises them 

[Chicken Dancer]

Aye even I’m starting to think there’s a pretty decent chance they stay up. Xhaka would be far the best signing they’ve made so far, though. Fair play for having a proper gamble and going for it.

 

There’s still a very weak squad there but 17th would still be a huge success. 

[Nine]

He'd likely be the best player they have ever had, or the biggest name at least.

 

[Dr.Spaceman]

Have they done a combined XI yet with Xhaka ahead of Bruno & Tonali?

 

 

Edited July 22, 2025 by Dr.Spaceman