Arsenal Midfielder Granit Xhaka Completes his Move to Bayer Leverkusen

According to confirmed reports, Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka from Arsenal. The Gunners announced the departure of the Swiss international last week with the imminent arrival of Declan Rice this week.

The 30-year-old experienced high turbulence during his time at the Emirates, including being booed by supporters in 2019. However, under Mikel Arteta, his fortunes improved and he played a vital role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title last season.

The Swiss midfielder had a successful 2022-23 season, contributing 7 goals and 7 assists in 37 Premier League appearances while playing in an advanced position. This elevated his status to a key player and repaired his relation with the fans. However, with only one year remaining on his contract, the Gunners made the decision to sell him.

As reported by BBC, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has completed his move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Switzerland international ends his seven-year stay in North London, returning to the Bundesliga in a deal worth £21.4 million (€25m).

The mercurial Swiss midfielder signed a five-year contract with the German club until the summer of 2028. His departure comes ahead of the imminent arrival of Declan Rice. Bayern Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso had expressed a strong interest in acquiring Granit Xhaka, recognizing his impressive performances at Arsenal and his reputation as a top performer.

The 30-year-old contributed 23 goals and 29 assists in 297 appearances (stats via Transfermarkt). He secured two FA Cup titles during his time at the club. This transfer will see the midfielder make a return to the Bundesliga, where he previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach before joining the Gunners.

Official, confirmed. Granit Xhaka leaves Arsenal and joins Bayer Leverkusen on permanent deal. 🔴⚫️ #Bundesliga

€25m fee, five year contract.

Xabi Alonso, crucial factor to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/lDCIMfr6eP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2023

Granit Xhaka reflected on the passing years at Arsenal, writing on his Instagram:

“Gunners, it’s been some journey – and all that’s left is for me to say thank you,”

“I’ve spent seven years at Arsenal. The club has become such an important part of my life – and it’s not easy to leave. But now is the right time for a new adventure.”

Player Profile

Granit Xhaka is a skilled and versatile midfielder known for his technical abilities and tactical awareness on the pitch. He possesses a range of skills that make him a valuable asset to any team. One of hiss notable skills is his passing ability.

The 30-year-old has excellent vision and is capable of executing accurate long-range passes to switch play or break through defensive lines. His passing range allows him to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively. Xhaka is also comfortable in tight spaces, showcasing his ability to find teammates with short, intricate passes.

Xhaka, Announced. ✅📝⁰⁰Granit #Xhaka signs from @Arsenal on a deal until 2028 at the #BayArena ! ⁰⁰All the infos on our new signing are here → https://t.co/XFXbV85ozD #GrueziGranit #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/bn3993umjw

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) July 6, 2023

Another strength of Xhaka is his ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions. He has a good understanding of positional play and uses this to intercept passes, disrupt opponents’ attacks, and provide defensive stability. His tactical awareness allows him to anticipate the movements of opponents and position himself well to make crucial interceptions and tackles.

Additionally, the Swiss midfielder possesses a powerful and accurate long-range shot. He is capable of striking the ball with precision from outside the box, often catching goalkeepers off guard. His shooting ability has resulted in some stunning goals throughout his career.

The significant contribution of the Swiss international was duly acknowledged by Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, who emphasized the vital role he played for an extended period at the club. Throughout the years, he consistently demonstrated remarkable commitment and quality, playing a crucial part in the club’s development and success.

Simon Rolfes, the sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, affirming that they have secured an exceptional professional for their team in Granit Xhaka. While his footballing abilities are widely recognized, it is his exceptional mentality and leadership qualities that truly distinguish him.

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