Regis Le Bris has appointed Granit Xhaka as Sunderland captain for the 2025-26 season.
Luke O’Nien shared armband tasks with Dan Neil for the Black Cats final season as they achieved promotion again to the Premier League, however the membership have regarded to their new signing to guide them into their first Premier League marketing campaign since 2016-17.
Xhaka has loads of expertise as a captain, main his nation Switzerland at a number of main tournaments whereas additionally captaining Arsenal below Unai Emery.
The midfielder’s time as chief of the Gunners resulted in dramatic style previous to Mikel Arteta’s arrival, with Xhaka throwing his shirt to the bottom after being booed by his personal followers when substituted off.
The 32-year-old additionally captained Borussia Monchengladbach and wore the armband for Bayer Leverkusen on a number of events, however was not the membership captain below Xabi Alonso.
Xhaka, who has 225 Premier League appearances to his identify, instructed the Sunderland web site: “It makes me extremely proud to be captain of this membership and of this group.
“I hope to point out my management on and off the pitch, serving to my team-mates within the coaching floor and throughout the membership.
Granit Xhaka: ‘Individuals who know me know precisely what they’ll get – I’m somebody who calls for rather a lot. I’m a winner and I need to win – and I anticipate the identical from my teammates.’ pic.twitter.com/FBaI5HsTm6
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 14, 2025
“To be a part of Sunderland’s historical past, alongside a number of the names who’ve worn the armband earlier than, is an honour. Individuals who know me know precisely what they’ll get – I’m somebody who calls for rather a lot.
“I’m a winner and I need to win – and I anticipate the identical from my team-mates.”
Le Bris added: “Within the Premier League, it will likely be essential to have consistency, maturity, and expertise. Granit brings all these qualities.
“His behaviour to this point has been very spectacular, and on the sphere, you’ll be able to see that his stage is excessive.
“Others round him can really feel this affect, and his management will assist the group as we adapt to a special surroundings and face new challenges and alternatives.
“Granit’s function may even kind a part of a brand new management group, which shall be finalised following the top of the summer time switch window.”
Sunderland have been busy on this summer time’s switch window, bringing 11 gamers by means of the door on the Stadium of Gentle.
Nonetheless, midfielder Pierre Ekwah has accomplished a everlasting transfer to AS Saint-Etienne in Ligue 2.
The 23-year-old, who made 61 appearances for Sunderland, spent the 2024-25 season with the French membership. The second-division facet triggered their possibility to purchase the midfielder of their preliminary mortgage settlement.
Sunderland kick their Premier League season off in opposition to West Ham United on Saturday.