Leeds United signing has already put Sunderland’s transfer for Granit Xhaka to shame after £17m deal….
Leeds United and Sunderland will go head-to-head in the league this season, but the transfer market has already been a battle.
The campaign ahead presents new opportunities for both Sunderland and Leeds, with a successful start to the window by the two teams.
Daniel Farke will know the Mackems will be right in the thick of it with them in the top flight, and even after Leeds have spent over £80 million, it doesn’t match the spending prowess of Regis Le Bris’ side.
Both outfits will do the talking on the pitch, and the Whites’ seven new additions will make for a major improvement on their chances.
Elsewhere, though, Sunderland have continued their big movements in the transfer window, as Granit Xhaka will be added ahead of the Premier League return, but that won’t worry Leeds.
READ MORE: Leeds United have last laugh after Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris makes urgent plea
Anton Stach during Hoffenheim vs Borussia Monchengladbach in Bundesliga.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Leeds United’s Anton Stach signing tops Granit Xhaka deal at Sunderland
It has already been confirmed that Xhaka will join Regis Le Bris’ side in a £17 million deal this summer.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed between all parties involved.
Understand fee will be €20m, contract until 2027.
Green light from Bayer Leverkusen for the player to fly today and complete his move to #SAFC, one more ambitious signing. pic.twitter.com/1gP1IBLD0T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2025
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This sends a message of intent to the rest of the league that the Mackems aren’t playing about, but Leeds won’t be too stressed after their signing of Anton Stach.
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Stach impressed on his Leeds debut and looks to be the perfect midfielder for what Farke is building.
With the new central addition in their plans, the 26-year-old can quite easily match the future services Xhaka will provide; however, based on last season in the Bundesliga, he might actually prove to be a better signing.
Stach statistics in Bundesliga (24/25) Xhaka statistics (24/25)
Games played 30 33
Tackles won % 69.7% 54.2%
Tackles won per 90 1.60 0.81
Duels won % 58.1% 57%
Touches in opposition box 34 15
Not only does the six-foot-four midfielder dominate in the defensive statistics, but he also provides a more attacking outlet than the former Arsenal star.
Both fees are in the same vicinity, with almost a £3 million difference, but taking into account their ages, with Stach being 26 and Xhaka turning 32, Leeds look to have come off much better.
The Swiss international does provide that Premier League experience which the Whites’ new cruiser lacks, but Stach looks to be a ‘game changer’, whereas Xhaka may only have a few more years at the top.
READ MORE: Daniel Farke should be worried about Leeds United star who has looked ‘rusty’ in pre-season
Leeds could have an advantage due to Granit Xhaka’s reliability issues
Both midfielders are, of course, great purchases for their respective fees, but Stach seems like the better all-rounder.
Leeds will be able to use the midfielder in plenty of ways next season, as Farke changing to a 4-3-3 could benefit the German to have more freedom in the middle of the park.
His improvement to the squad will be shown, and although Sunderland are trying to go toe-to-toe with Xhaka’s arrival, his past experience in the top flight doesn’t bode well.
This is due to the midfielder’s poor disciplinary record in the Premier League, as 56 yellow cards and four red cards during his time at Arsenal doesn’t reflect well.
🟥 | RED CARD!
Granit Xhaka is sent off for violent conduct after grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat! 😳
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In a relegation battle, you need players who will be composed and not make rash decisions, and with Stach only receiving one red card in his entire career, Leeds have the full package.
This one flaw in Xhaka’s game could be the difference between relegation and staying up, as his reliability in the big moments could give the Whites an advantage in this highly anticipated relegation fight.
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