Leeds’ £17m Transfer Stunner Makes Sunderland’s Xhaka Move Look Like a League One Gamble

July 29, 2025

Midfield Power Play: Why Leeds United May Have Outplayed Sunderland in the Summer Transfer Window

As the Premier League season looms, two proud football clubs with rich histories — Leeds United and Sunderland — are preparing to reassert themselves on the biggest stage in English football. Both have endured years outside the top flight, both are hungry for redemption, and both have backed their managers in the transfer market to ensure survival — and perhaps more.

But while the fixtures haven’t yet begun, the battle has already started off the pitch — in the transfer market.

Much of the buzz surrounds the central midfield, where Leeds and Sunderland have each made a headline-grabbing signing. Sunderland pulled off a coup by signing Granit Xhaka, a veteran of Arsenal and a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning side. Leeds, in response, signed Anton Stach, a 26-year-old German international known for his dynamism and tactical intelligence. Both deals are impressive, but dig deeper and it becomes clear that Leeds might have just pulled off the smarter, more impactful move — not just for this season, but for the years ahead.


Sunderland’s Big Move: Experience Comes at a Price

Let’s start with the facts: Granit Xhaka is a well-known name with a glittering resume. A £17 million signing, the Swiss midfielder brings an elite pedigree to the Stadium of Light. He has:

Over 230 Premier League appearances with Arsenal

More than 120 caps for Switzerland, including five major international tournaments

Bundesliga title experience with Bayer Leverkusen

A reputation for being a vocal leader, often the emotional heartbeat of his teams

On paper, it’s a signing that shows Sunderland mean business. They’re not just looking to make up the numbers in the Premier League; they want to thrive, and Xhaka’s arrival sends a message of ambition. He will undoubtedly bring presence and control to their midfield, likely sitting deep and dictating the tempo of matches.

But here’s the catch: Xhaka is 32. He has already played more than 600 professional matches. That experience is valuable, but so are legs in a high-intensity league like the Premier League. The midfield battle is faster, more physical, and more punishing than anywhere else in Europe. Can Xhaka handle the demands of a 38-game slog at his age?

There are also disciplinary concerns. During his time at Arsenal, Xhaka accumulated:

56 yellow cards

4 red cards

These aren’t just statistics — they tell a story. In key moments, particularly under pressure, Xhaka has occasionally lost his composure. For a club that could be in a relegation scrap, a red card in a critical six-pointer could be the difference between survival and the drop.

So while Sunderland’s move makes sense in the short term — bringing in leadership and top-level experience — it carries long-term and performance risks.


Leeds Respond with Stach: Youth, Versatility, and Discipline

By contrast, Leeds United’s move for Anton Stach looks to be far more strategic and forward-thinking. The 26-year-old arrived from Hoffenheim for around £20 million — a slightly higher fee than Xhaka — but one that may provide more value across multiple seasons.

Stach, standing at 6’4”, is a powerful, intelligent midfielder who excels in both defensive and attacking phases. He’s not a marquee name like Xhaka, but among Bundesliga watchers, his talent is well respected. He averaged:

2.3 interceptions per game

1.8 key passes per game

An 85% passing accuracy rate

All while covering over 11 km per match on average

In essence, he’s the engine that powers the midfield — a player who can press, recover, and push forward. Under Daniel Farke, who favors high work rate and positional flexibility, Stach could be transformational.

Crucially, his disciplinary record is spotless compared to Xhaka’s. With only one red card in his entire professional career, Stach provides composure and calmness in high-pressure scenarios — traits that are often underrated in relegation battles.


Age and Longevity: Leeds Win the Long Game

When comparing signings, age is a decisive factor. Xhaka is 32. Stach is 26. That six-year gap represents not only greater long-term utility but also resale value. If Leeds survive the drop and Stach thrives, he could easily attract attention from bigger Premier League sides or clubs in Europe, potentially commanding a fee that would double their investment.

Xhaka, on the other hand, is unlikely to have significant resale value. At best, Sunderland might get two consistent seasons from him before needing to replace him — possibly with another costly acquisition.

This isn’t just about the upcoming season — it’s about building sustainably. Leeds have signed a player who fits into a long-term plan. Sunderland have signed a player who might only provide a short burst of impact, and one that could backfire if the team struggles.


System Fit: How They’ll Be Used

Tactically, both players will be pivotal in their respective systems.

For Sunderland:

Xhaka will likely sit as a deep-lying playmaker in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3

He’ll look to control tempo, spray passes, and drop between centre-backs to initiate build-up

He may also be asked to shield the back line, a role that will test his legs against the pace of Premier League attackers

For Leeds:

Stach could play as a No. 8 or even a No. 6 depending on Farke’s setup

In a 4-3-3, he’ll have license to push forward, support attacks, and help Leeds in transitions

He also gives Farke the flexibility to switch formations mid-game, thanks to his ability to operate across multiple zones

Leeds appear to have a more dynamic, flexible weapon in their midfield arsenal. While Xhaka brings structure and experience, Stach brings versatility, youth, and energy — qualities that align more with how most modern Premier League teams want to play.


The Psychological Edge: Reliability in Crunch Time

Football is as much psychological as it is tactical. In the final 10 games of the season, when teams are clawing for every point, composure and consistency become priceless.

Xhaka has had a history of emotional decisions — from red cards to confrontations with fans at Arsenal. While his form at Leverkusen was much improved, the high-pressure, physically taxing nature of a relegation battle in England is a different beast.

Stach, meanwhile, is known for his composure under pressure and professionalism. He has shown leadership without drama and brings a quiet confidence that could be exactly what Leeds need during the season’s most turbulent moments.


Final Verdict: Leeds Get the Edge

There is no doubt that both Leeds United and Sunderland have strengthened well this summer. Both Anton Stach and Granit Xhaka will improve their teams. But when the signings are viewed side-by-side — taking into account:

Age and longevity

Tactical fit

Disciplinary history

Future value

Adaptability

— it’s hard not to conclude that Leeds United have made the superior signing.

Stach might not have the name recognition of Xhaka, but he could very well prove to be the more important player over the course of the campaign. If Leeds stay up, his role will likely be one of the key reasons why. If they thrive beyond survival, he could be the beginning of something bigger under Daniel Farke.

As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on how these two midfielders fare — not just in numbers, but in impact. And when the dust settles in May, it may be Anton Stach — not Granit Xhaka — who stands out as one of the signings of the season.

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