Breaking News: The £8.5 million “true leader” is now “open to” leaving his club, with Sunderland nearing completion of the deal in less than a day.

£8.5m “true leader” now “open to” leaving his club with Sunderland keen

A “true leader” is now open to leaving his club this summer, with Sunderland currently “exploring a move”, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Black Cats in strong position to avoid the drop

After spending eight years outside the top flight, it will be a tall order for the Black Cats to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, but former Everton chief Keith Wyness believes they are in a good position to do so.

Wyness said: “I love what Sunderland are doing and they’re not going to make my bottom six for next year. They’re actually one of the only clubs promoted that I think have a great chance of staying up.

“Now I was speaking to somebody that I consider to be one of the very top agents in the game yesterday, who said watch out for Diarra at Sunderland, the signing they’ve got from Strasbourg. He thinks he’s going to be a revelation next year.”

Regis Le Bris’ side did a fantastic job winning the race for Habib Diarra, given that fellow newly-promoted side Leeds United were also keen, but it may be a good idea to bring in another central midfielder, in light of Jobe Bellingham’s departure.

It was recently revealed that Sunderland have opened talks over a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, which could amount to £8.5m, and there has now been a further update on the maestro’s future.

Taking to X, Jacobs revealed the Black Cats are still “exploring a move” for Xhaka, but they could face competition from Saudi Pro League side NEOM SC.

The reporter also added the midfielder is “open to an exit” this summer, despite still having three years remaining on his Bayer Leverkusen deal, potentially opening the door for a move to the Stadium of Light.

“True leader” Xhaka could be ideal signing for Sunderland

It may be a cliché, but it is true that teams need to have leaders in the dressing room if they are to achieve success, and the Leverkusen midfielder certainly fits the bill in that regard.

Former manager Xabi Alonso praised the impact the Switzerland international had at Leverkusen both in the dressing room and on the pitch saying: “When we had a chance to start with Granit, we had no doubts because of his personality, his qualities, what he delivers, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well,”

Crucially, the former Arsenal man also has a great deal of Premier League experience, having made 225 appearances in the competition for the Gunners, meaning he could be an ideal signing for a Sunderland side aiming to avoid the drop.