No sign of superstition: Xhaka favours Black Cats

A black cat has been considered an omen of bad luck for centuries. Still, Granit Xhaka obviously isn't a superstitious guy, as he is on the verge of joining the Black Cats, i.e. Sunderland, despite the interest of several other (some would say stronger) teams.

AC Milan have devised a cunning plan: sign Luka Modric and bring Xhaka as another "old hand," who would be the Croat's "wingman." Nevertheless, the Swiss midfielder rejected the Rossoneri, as well as the Saudi Neom, though Bayer Leverkusen weren't thrilled with their stingy €6 million bid either.

Either way, Xhaka's desire to return to England prevailed, and he chose Sunderland. Now, both the midfielder and his agent hope Lever will accommodate his wish and not be too demanding. According to some projections, the Bundesliga side would be satisfied with approximately €15 million, as they invested as much in the 32-year-old's arrival from Arsenal two years ago.

Ivorian completes Black Cats' new quintet of Africans

Sunderland have already spent around €116 million in the current transfer window, but none of the players they signed can come close to Xhaka's experience. After all, he spent seven seasons at Arsenal and was the Gunners' skipper.

Apart from the North London side, he played for his boyhood club Basel (2010-2012) and Borussia Monchengladbach (2012-2016).