Jermain Defoe shares what he told Granit Xhaka before signing for Sunderland

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Granit Xhaka has emerged as one of Sunderland’s most important players since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The Swiss international was one of 14 players to arrive at the Stadium of Light as Regis Le Bris built a squad he believes is capable of retaining their top-flight status.

Xhaka’s decision to join Sunderland was a shock, as the midfielder swapped Champions League football in Germany for a second stint in English football, potentially facing relegation.

However, the Black Cats have been sensational upon their Premier League return and are seven points clear of the drop zone after seven matches played, with only two defeats.

Now, former striker Jermain Defoe has revealed the details of his conversation with Xhaka, prior to the move to the North East.

Granit Xhaka asked Jermain Defoe about signing for Sunderland

When speaking on the Could It Be Magic podcast, Defoe revealed to former England teammates Joe Cole and Ashley Cole that he told Xhaka he would love life at the Stadium of Light.

“Granit Xhaka, even signing, and he actually, he was on my A-license (course), so he messaged me and wanted to obviously speak about the club, and he said, ‘oh, what’s it like?’

“I said, you’ll love it there. Like, the fans are amazing.”

Xhaka has been nominated for the POTM award for September after his influential performances helped catapult Sunderland into the top half of the league table.

The 33-year-old cut a frustrating figure during his last spell in the Premier League with Arsenal, but he quickly established himself as one of the leading midfielders in Europe during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

He was instrumental in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023/24 season, and it appears the player is enjoying a resurgence in the twilight years of his career – Xhaka has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne at Sunderland.

Regis Le Bris did well to replace Jobe Bellingham in the summer transfer window, and while Habib Diarra is currently rehabilitating from a groin injury, Xhaka’s wealth of Premier League and European experience is certainly having an impact.

Xhaka will be key to Sunderland’s survival this season as he currently sits one assist behind league leader Jack Grealish in the assist charts, tying Wilson Isidor for the most goal involvements for the Black Cats thus far.

Jermain Defoe loves the Sunderland supporters

The 43-year-old had two spells on Wearside throughout his career. He returned in 2022 to retire at Sunderland after his initial spell at the club during 2015-2017.

Defoe scored 34 goals for the Black Cats and instantly became a fan favourite among the supporters, with the player sharing the sentiment.

Upon his departure to Bournemouth in 2017, Defoe penned a heartfelt farewell to the Sunderland faithful and declared them one of the best fanbases he had ever played for.

“I’d like to thank all the Sunderland fans for their support and everyone else involved with the football club. I had an amazing time with so many great memories. I’m going to miss so many people at the club, from the canteen staff and the chef to the laundry girls and the cleaners who always made the boys smile, no matter what.

“I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I’ve ever come across. The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle – a goal people still come up and talk to me about!”