(Credit: Imago)

West Ham ready surprise Granit Xhaka transfer as compensation emerges

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

21 Jul 2025, 2:40 am

West Ham are ready to challenge their Premier League rivals to a fresh signing as their transfer window picks up pace.

Kyle Walker-Peters is the latest arrival at the London Stadium after joining the Hammers on a free transfer.

He followed El Hadji Malick Diouf through the West Ham door, meaning Graham Potter now has several new players within his ranks.

Now, the Irons are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has been heavily linked with a move this summer.

Walker-Peters is set for a fresh Premier League challenge (Credit: Hasan Karim)

West Ham interested in bringing Xhaka to London Stadium

While West Ham have reportedly made a bid for Douglas Luiz, it seems that Potter wants more midfielders for his squad.

The East London outfit do possess some quality options in the centre of the park, but could do with added quality.

Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and Guido Rodriguez are among Potter's current crop, but were inconsistent last term.

Now, the Hammers are interested in signing Xhaka, according to the Rheinische Post (21 July, page C4).

Granit Xhaka's 2024/25 Bundesliga statistics	Total
Appearances	33
Goals	2
Assists	7
Touches	94.5
Accurate passes	75.8 (91%)
Big chances created	7

Xhaka was outstanding for Leverkusen last season (Sofascore)

The Irons join Sunderland, who have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old, in a list of clubs that is getting longer and longer.

With the Swiss international's contract running until 2028, Leverkusen's director of football, Simon Rolfes, described it as a win-win situation.

Furthermore, the German club would be due around £17million in compensation should a deal go through.

Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has spoken about how the midfielder should stay, although his future remains in doubt.

Potter could do with midfield reinforcements (Credit: Imago)

Xhaka of interest, but how has he been playing for Leverkusen?

Xhaka has enjoyed a career renaissance since leaving Arsenal for the Bundesliga in the summer of 2023.

In his first season with the German club, the midfielder played a pivotal role in Leverkusen winning their first-ever Bundesliga title.

Last season, the 32-year-old continued his influence in Xabi Alonso's engine room, notching nine league goal contributions.

Although he has been a key player for Leverkusen, speculation has been circulating about his immediate future.

Saudi Arabian side Neom SC were interested in Xhaka's services, with Sunderland keen to bring him to the Premier League.

However, West Ham now represents an intriguing option for the Swiss international, who has a decision to make on his future.

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Granit Xhaka