Recent transfer reports suggesting Sunderland’s interest in bringing Frank Anguissa and Granit Xhaka back to the Premier League have generated buzz in the football world. However, the potential transfer of the veteran midfield duo may face obstacles, as they are currently linked with Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, which could complicate negotiations for their services.
Anguissa, who has been a standout performer for Napoli in recent seasons, has had an interesting journey in his career. The 29-year-old Cameroon international honed his skills in his homeland before making a name for himself in French football with stints at Reims and Marseille. His move to Fulham in 2018 for a substantial fee of around €24m raised eyebrows, but he quickly adapted to the demands of English football. Despite experiencing relegation with Fulham, Anguissa’s move to Napoli has seen him flourish once again, showcasing his talent and versatility in midfield.
On the other hand, Granit Xhaka is a familiar face in English football, having spent seven eventful years at Arsenal before returning to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The Swiss midfielder, who emerged from FC Basel’s esteemed academy, made a name for himself in Germany before making a high-profile switch to Arsenal in a £35m deal. Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was filled with ups and downs, but his move to Bayer Leverkusen has reignited his career, with notable contributions to their success in the Bundesliga.
For Sunderland, the prospect of adding experienced midfielders like Anguissa and Xhaka to their squad could be a game-changer. While the club has promising young talents like Daniel Neil and Chris Rigg, the addition of players with the experience and quality of Anguissa and Xhaka could offer invaluable leadership and skill in the heart of midfield. Their ability to dictate play, provide defensive cover, and drive the team forward make them ideal candidates to bolster Sunderland’s chances of survival in the Premier League.
As negotiations unfold and the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Anguissa and Xhaka will opt for a return to the Premier League with Sunderland, or if they will opt to stay put at their respective clubs. The allure of unfinished business, coupled with the challenge of rejuvenating Sunderland’s midfield, could shape their decisions in the coming weeks. Ultimately, the potential signings of Anguissa and Xhaka hold significant promise for Sunderland as they look to navigate the demands of top-flight English football.
