Sunderland on verge of shock signing – Tyne & Wear derbies set to be feisty!

Having seen all three promoted teams relegated for the last two seasons, a hat trick could certainly be on the cards.

It’s been fascinating to watch the frantic recruitment and heavy spending Sunderland have undertaken this window, where if even one signing doesn’t pan out, it could prove to be disastrous.

Though reports of one potential signing has emerged, and it would be a true statement from the Black Cats, and present an intriguing prospect ahead of the two Tyne Wear derbies next season!

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland could be set to complete the surprise signing of former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.

Writing on X, Romano posted that the club had presented their first bid to the Swiss international, while Sky Sports report he’s closing in on a move to Wearside.

Xhaka, who enjoyed an invincible season in Germany as part of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side, is said to be keen on moving away from Erik ten Hag’s team, and has a “desire” to join Sunderland.

Regis Le Bris’ squad has already enjoyed over £100m worth of investment this window, with the likes of Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra making the switch to the Stadium of Light.

But Xhaka still feels like a player who could command a midfield for a European football calibre side, like his old club Arsenal, so many in the media have praised this as a potentially massive coup if Sunderland can pull it off.

Regarded as a quite physical presence in the heart of midfield, Xhaka is a tough and aggressive opponent to face for any midfield.

So the prospect of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes each against the 32-year-old could make an already much-anticipated game a particularly fiery one!

The first derby of next season takes place in December at the Stadium of Light, whilst the return fixture at St James’ Park will be on the 21st March, 2026.

And whilst the Mackems will be an improved side compared to when we won 3-0 in the FA Cup back in 2024, it’s important to remember that as good as Xhaka and the new midfield options may prove to be, there’s still a monumental gulf in quality compared to our world-class trio.