Sunderland aiming to repeat Granit Xhaka success as proven performer signing lined up
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Credit: Imago Wed 3 June 2026 15:21, UK Sunderland are clearly looking to sign their next Granit Xhaka as they plot a move to sign Marseille veteran Geoffrey Kondogbia.Xhaka was key to the Black Cats’ outstanding return to the Premier League in 2025-26 after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.The Swiss international made 36 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign at the Stadium of Light.He was a driving force behind their push for European qualification and ended the season being voted as Sunderland’s Player of the Year.Regis Le Bris will want to sign more quality players for Sunderland ahead of next term, and he looks to be trying to repeat his Xhaka trick as a new arrival beckons.Geoffrey Kondogbia will add even more valuable experience to Sunderland’s midfieldSunderland boss Le Bris will be aware that he needs to improve his squad’s depth to compete sufficiently on all fronts after they qualified for the Europa League. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES According to French outlet MediaFoot, the Wearside outfit are closing in on a move to sign Marseille midfielder Kondogbia ahead of the summer window opening on 15 June.Appearances10Minutes played593′Successful pass %87.3%Duels won per 905.62Fouls won per 901.21Defensive contributions per 906.98Recoveries per 907.74Kondogbia’s 2025-26 Ligue 1 statsThe 33-year-old is keen to take on a new challenge in the Premier League next season, and looks set to be a very shrewd signing for Sunderland, given their lofty ambitions.Kondogbia has a wealth of experience that could be vital to helping the Black Cats’ younger stars reach their potential, with stints in three of the other top five European leagues in his career so far.He won a La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and racked up 188 appearances in the Spanish top flight during spells with the capital club, Sevilla and Valencia.Le Bris clearly wants another signing through the door to replicate the impact that Xhaka had on his squad last summer, and Kondogbia looks set to be that man.Who could leave Sunderland to accommodate Kondogbia’s arrival?Lutsharel Geertruida will leave Sunderland soon after his loan spell from RB Leipzig, meaning one senior midfielder is already set to make way ahead of the summer.Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Xhaka could leave Sunderland this summer as he potentially looks to continue his career elsewhere after already achieving his aim on Wearside.His departure would certainly be a blow for the Black Cats, and so lining up a move for Kondogbia makes a lot of sense if he is being signed to possibly replace the Swiss star. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Sunderland Insider Access Get the full story from the Stadium of Light with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Wearside.