adminLothar Matthäus Slams Bayer Leverkusen Over Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland Move
Sunderland pulled off a headline-grabbing signing last month by securing Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen — a move that surprised many across European football.
The 32-year-old’s departure has drawn criticism from former Germany international Lothar Matthäus, who believes Leverkusen should never have allowed the transfer to happen. Speaking after the move was confirmed, Matthäus said he “doesn’t accept” that the club couldn’t have done more to keep hold of such a key figure.
Xhaka’s transfer came despite Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag publicly stating his desire to keep the former Arsenal man. Responding to comments from Xhaka’s agent regarding the player’s wish to return to the Premier League, Ten Hag had said:
“The agent can say anything, but this club has already sold three important players. We can’t afford to let any more go. That would damage the structure and culture of the squad. Granit is a leader here — he has three years left on a five-year deal, and he’s simply too important to lose.”
Nevertheless, Xhaka went on to complete his move to the Stadium of Light, where he is expected to captain Sunderland as they return to the Premier League this season.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes later explained the club’s decision to allow the move, stating:
“Since joining two years ago, Granit has been a key part of the team that won the double in 2024. Granting his strong request to leave was the best solution for all parties under the terms we negotiated. We wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
However, Matthäus sees the departure differently. Speaking to Sport BILD, he expressed concern over the significant turnover at the Bundesliga club, which has lost several key players in quick succession — including former manager Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky (Monaco).
“No one can accuse Leverkusen of being sentimental about their departures,” Matthäus said. “But Xhaka to Sunderland? That one I can’t accept.
“Most of the other exits were understandable. But losing Xhaka — the strategist, the heartbeat of the team — is different. Ten Hag must take responsibility for not fighting harder to keep him. Now he’ll have to count on Robert Andrich to take over that leadership role in midfield and keep the team competing at the top.”
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