What Did Xhaka Say About Arteta's Impact on His Career?

In a recent interview, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka shared insights into his time under Mikel Arteta and his decision to return to the Premier League with Sunderland. Xhaka discussed Arteta's influence on his career and the reasons behind his move back to England, highlighting the competitive nature of the Premier League as a significant factor.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Granit Xhaka's shift to Sunderland marks a new chapter in his career, returning to a league where he previously made a name for himself. This transition follows his departure from Arsenal, where he played under Mikel Arteta for several seasons. Xhaka's experience in the Premier League is expected to bring significant value to Sunderland, who are looking to strengthen their squad for the ongoing season.

Key takeaways

Xhaka reflects positively on his time with Arteta at Arsenal.
His return to the Premier League is significant for both his career and Sunderland.
The competitive nature of the Premier League was a major factor in his decision.

Timeline: how we got here

Granit Xhaka's football journey has seen several key milestones:

July 2016: Xhaka joins Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach.
December 2019: Mikel Arteta takes over as Arsenal manager.
October 2023: Xhaka confirms his move to Sunderland, returning to the Premier League.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Xhaka's interview reveals his thoughts on Mikel Arteta and provides insights into why he believes Sunderland is the right club for him at this point in his career.

What was already established

Prior to this interview, it was known that Xhaka had left Arsenal and was exploring options to continue his career in a competitive environment.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Xhaka's return to the Premier League is likely to attract attention from fans, boosting interest and engagement in Sunderland's matches, which can have positive implications for ticket sales and local businesses.

Businesses and jobs

Sunderland, as a club, will be looking to leverage Xhaka's experience to improve their performance in the league, which could influence player recruitment and local job opportunities within the sporting sector.

Policy and regulation

Regulatory bodies overseeing player transfers and contracts will need to monitor Xhaka's move, ensuring compliance with the Premier League's rules and regulations.

Numbers that matter

7: Years Xhaka spent at Arsenal, contributing significantly to the team's midfield.
3: Major trophies won with Arsenal during his tenure.
£20 million: Estimated transfer fee for Xhaka's move to Sunderland.

Definitions and jargon buster

Transfer Fee: The amount of money paid to acquire a player from another club.
Midfielder: A player positioned in the midfield, responsible for linking defence and attack.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can expect to see Xhaka in action as Sunderland integrates him into their squad, potentially impacting upcoming matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Xhaka adjusts to his new environment, his performance will be critical for Sunderland's ambitions in the league.

Signals to watch

Performance statistics of Xhaka in his initial matches with Sunderland.
Fan engagement and attendance at Sunderland's games following his arrival.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Sunderland's matches to see how Xhaka contributes to the team.
Stay updated on player performances to assess the impact of new signings.

Don’t

Don’t assume immediate success; player integration can take time.
Don’t overlook the importance of team dynamics in player performance.

Checklist

Monitor Xhaka's performance metrics after his first few games.
Engage with fan communities to gauge sentiment around the signing.
Keep track of Sunderland's league position following the transfer window.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Xhaka is a seasoned player, the transition to a new club comes with uncertainties, such as the potential for injury or adjustment to the new team's style of play. Additionally, the expectations from fans and management can add pressure that might impact performance.

Bottom line

Xhaka's return to the Premier League with Sunderland is a significant move that brings both opportunities and challenges. His experience could prove invaluable as Sunderland aims to enhance their competitive edge in the league.

FAQs

Why did Granit Xhaka leave Arsenal?

Granit Xhaka left Arsenal to seek a new challenge in the Premier League, joining Sunderland to continue his professional development.

What impact will Xhaka have at Sunderland?

Xhaka's experience and skills are expected to bolster Sunderland's midfield and improve their performance in the league.

How much was Xhaka's transfer fee to Sunderland?

The transfer fee for Granit Xhaka's move to Sunderland is estimated to be around £20 million.