Third prominent newcomer
After Alejandro Grimaldo (27) and Jonas Hofmann (30), Bayer 04 Leverkusen have presented the third top-class newcomer this summer. Granit Xhaka joins the Werkself from Arsenal FC and signed a contract that runs until June 30, 2028.
In contrast to Grimaldo on a free transfer and Hofmann, who was available for 10 million euros thanks to an exit clause, Bayer 04 have to dig deeper into their pockets at Xhaka. The Swiss costs a report from the English portal “The Athletic” according to 25 million euros and thus around 10 million euros more than initially assumed. For Leverkusen it is the third most expensive purchase in the club’s history. In the history of the Bundesliga, more money was only spent on two professionals over 30: in 2019 when Mats Hummels (34) switched from FC Bayern to BVB and last summer when Munich brought Sadio Mané (31) from Liverpool .
23x over 10 million: Bayer Leverkusen’s most expensive additions
“With Granit we have been able to win an absolute top professional for us,” said sporting director Simon Rolfes about the transfer. “His football quality is known everywhere. But above all, there are only a few players who, thanks to an outstanding mentality and personality, can lead a team as convincingly as he can.”
Granit Xhaka 2nd Bundesliga returnee this summer after Naby Keïta
Xhaka knows the German upper house from his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he played between 2012 and 2016. Seven years later, the central midfielder will play again in Germany, making him the second Bundesliga returnee this summer after Naby Keïta (28; from Liverpool FC to Werder Bremen). For comparison: In 2022/23, the 18 clubs brought a total of ten players back after a stay abroad (to the statistics).
“I know the league inside and out and have always watched it from London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious goals. Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. The discussions with those responsible were enormously motivating. You’re ambitious and you want to achieve something – I’m really looking forward to the coming years,” said the Xhaka.
With the left foot, Leverkusen has the desired defensively strong central midfielder, who also brings qualities in the offensive. He proved that with the Gunners last season, scoring nine goals and seven assists in 47 games.
#GrueziGranit #Werkself #Bayer04 pic.twitter.com/KQq7TD5vJN
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) July 6, 2023
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