Wayne Rooney Names Granit Xhaka “Signing Of The Season”

Wayne Rooney has hailed Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as “probably the signing of the season” following the Swiss midfielder’s standout performances in the Premier League.

Sunderland’s return to the top flight has been nothing short of remarkable.

After 11 games, the Black Cats sit fourth with 19 points, far exceeding expectations and already edging toward their main goal of staying up.

At the heart of that success has been Granit Xhaka, whose experience and leadership have transformed the team’s rhythm and confidence.

The 33-year-old has played every minute of Sunderland’s league campaign so far, scoring once and providing three assists.

He tops the club’s charts for assists, chances created, successful passes, duels won, and distance covered, highlighting just how central he has become to Tony Mowbray’s system.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United striker said, “Coming back to the Premier League, you wonder if he can do it. Obviously, with a promoted team as well coming up, what impact could he have? But he’s probably been the signing of the season. He has been brilliant.”

Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for around £13 million after guiding the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title.

His calmness on the ball and tactical discipline have been vital for a squad packed with young players still adapting to the Premier League.

Rooney also reflected on Xhaka’s earlier struggles at Arsenal, where he made nearly 300 appearances and lifted two FA Cups but often faced criticism from fans.

“When he had the situation with Arsenal, when he fell out with the fans, it showed his character to go and play for Arsenal again,” Rooney said.

“To get through that and then go and perform for Arsenal, and then at Leverkusen to be part of a team to beat Bayern Munich to the title for the first time in over 10 years has shown what a good player he is.”

He added, “Sunderland have got a very young squad as well. He’d almost be like a father figure and he’ll be a big help for the coach as well to be the in-between man as captain. They made a lot of signings in the summer, he’ll be a massive help for the manager and with them players, for sure, using his experience.”

Source: Naijanews