Xhaka signing a real statement of club's intent

AS far as big footballing declarations go, Sunderland's signing of ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is right up there.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

This is not a player on a downward spiral looking for a final payday, this is a midfielder who ranks right up there with the best in Europe in terms of stats and technical ability.

The 32-year-old has what most of the Black Cats don't have and that's experience of playing in the Premier League.

With respect to the Bundesliga, it is not as fast and frenetic as England's top division so it makes Xhaka’s decision to turn his back on an extra three years in Germany for what could be a relegation battle an interesting one.