Xhaka? I just don't get it, says Waddle

FORMER Newcastle United and England winger Chris Waddle has labelled Sunderland's decision to sign Granit Xhaka as “strange.”

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

The 64-year-old pundit, who played seven times for Sunderland at Roker Park in 1997 as the Black Cats were relegated from the Premier League under Peter Reid, was speaking about the start of the new Premier League season – and he predicts a relegation battle for the Black Cats.

He said: “Sunderland signing Granit Xhaka is a strange move. Sunderland usually buy young. Granit Xhaka has joined, which is a strange move I can’t really work out. I know they were supposedly after Jordan Henderson originally, looking for an experienced midfield player.

“Xhaka cost quite a bit of money at 32. Will he make a difference? Time will tell. They're a young side. They've not had a good preseason. They lost to Hearts, Hull and Betis.

"They've lost quite a few games preseason and aren't scoring goals. Yes, there’s been a turnaround, but their philosophy is to buy young. If they get relegated, they'll sell two or three to balance the books. That's how Sunderland has operated for the last four or five years.”