£17m Bargain! Rooney: Xhaka Is Likely the Premier League’s Signing of the Season

Premier League clubs spent over £3 billion on new signings last summer, but Wayne Rooney believes a £17 million acquisition is likely already the “signing of the season”. Granit Xhaka’s performances for Sunderland have been incredible. The Black Cats have a very young squad, so Xhaka is almost a father figure to some players and also provides great help to the coaching staff. Sunderland have exceeded everyone’s expectations this season, losing only 2 of their first 11 games and currently sitting in fourth place.

Premier League teams broke the record for the highest spending in a single transfer window, with defending champions Liverpool being the biggest spenders. Arne Slot brought in over £400 million worth of new signings for Anfield, but these players have not lived up to expectations, and Liverpool’s title defense hangs in the balance. Liverpool broke their club transfer record twice—first signing Florian Wirtz for £116 million, then Alexander Isak for £125 million.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United also splashed the cash this summer, with each team’s transfer expenditure exceeding £200 million.

Despite the heavy spending across the league, Rooney still named Xhaka—signed by Sunderland for £17 million—as the “signing of the season”. After returning to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, the Black Cats signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

Most experts were worried about Sunderland’s prospects beforehand, but the team has surpassed all expectations, losing only 2 of their first 11 games and climbing to fourth in the standings before the November international break.

At the end of last month, Sunderland shocked Chelsea at Stamford Bridge; at the weekend, they became only the third team to take points from Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Former Arsenal captain Xhaka has been the key figure behind Sunderland’s successful return to the top flight, and Rooney raved about the “fantastic” signing.

“Granit Xhaka has been absolutely brilliant,” the Manchester United and England legend said on his podcast. “He’s never been the fastest player, but he has the experience to control games.”

“When he had conflicts with Arsenal fans, he still chose to play for the club and even became captain—that shows his character.”

“Getting through that difficult period and continuing to perform well at Arsenal demonstrated his mentality, and then he won the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen.”

“He has proven himself to be an excellent player. Some people doubted whether he could still cut it in the Premier League, especially at a promoted side, but he might already be the signing of the season with a perfect performance.”

“Although Sunderland is a great club, it was still a brave decision to join them. Everyone predicted they would be relegated, so it’s commendable that he was willing to take on this challenge.”

“The fans love him, and his performances on the pitch deserve that love. His winning mentality, efficiency and influence on other players are valuable assets to the team.”

“He’s been incredible—I never thought he’d have a season like this. Sunderland’s squad is very young, so he’s almost a father figure to some players and also a big help to the coaching staff.”

“There’s no doubt—he’s likely the best signing of the summer.”

Sunderland have picked up 19 points from their first 11 Premier League games and sit fourth in the table during the November international break. Last season, only 26 points were needed to avoid relegation. After the international break, Sunderland will face Fulham.