Granit Xhaka is set to join Sunderland in a £13million move from Bayer Leverkusen despite Erik ten Hag’s efforts to block it.
The former Arsenal midfielder has been in talks with the Black Cats over a shock switch to the newly-promoted side.
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However, the transfer appeared to be off after new Leverkusen boss Ten Hag ruled it out last week.
But talkSPORT understands the two clubs have now reached an agreement, with Sunderland to pay £13m up front and £4m in potential add-ons.
Xhaka is set to sign a three-year contract and has now been given permission to fly to England and complete the move.
Ten Hag has already seen Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong leave for Liverpool this summer.
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Xhaka is set to follow them to the Premier League, returning to England two years after he departed Arsenal.
The 32-year-old made 225 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, scoring 17 goals and adding 24 assists.
Xhaka also has 137 caps for Switzerland on the international stage.
What did Erik ten Hag say?
After Xhaka’s agent confirmed an agreement with Sunderland last week, Ten Hag told reporters at Leverkusen’s pre-season tour in Brazil: “His agent can say whatever he wants.
“But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go.
“Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here.
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“It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract.
“He’s too important to us to let him go.”
Bayer Leverkusen’s chief executive Simon Rolfes echoed that sentiment, before eventually deciding to let Xhaka leave.
Who have Sunderland signed already?
It marks another serious coup for Sunderland as they continue to spend money following promotion to the top-flight.
Manager Regis Le Bris has already spent £100m on six signings this summer, making use of the fee received in Jobe Bellingham’s departure.
Simon Adringra has arrived from Brighton, along with Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Taibi, Noah Sadiki and Reinildo.
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Enzo Le Fee’s loan deal has also turned permanent too.
Meanwhile, they have also just pulled out of a deal to sign Armand Lauriente for £17.5m after a disagreement over personal terms.
This will be the Black Cats’ first season back in the Premier League after eight years away.
And they are making sure they have the best chance of staying up by bringing in multiple big-money additions.
Xhaka will also provide some much-needed top-flight experience to the squad, helping both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
The midfielder could make his first appearance in August.
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The Black Cats take on Real Betis, Augsburg and Rayo Vallecano all within eight days leading up to the season.
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West Ham take the trip up to the Stadium of Light on the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign.
Xhaka would reunite with Arsenal in November.
