Juventus Eye a Comeback for a Lost Signing: Granit Xhaka Could Return in January

What Juventus Are After

Italian press reports indicate Juventus is planning a January move to sign Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland. The 33-year-old arrived at Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth roughly £13 million and has become a key part of their midfield engine. Sunderland have started the 2025-26 season impressively, with Xhaka contributing in attack and build-up play as they sit among the contenders in the early table. Juventus, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their midfield with more options as they balance a squad that currently leans heavily on Manuel Locatelli.

According to the same reports, Juventus could be ready to pay the compensation Sunderland require, even if questions about age arise. The idea is not new; Juve reportedly came close to signing Xhaka in the previous window, but wage discussions stalled the deal. His career has already spanned Basel, Borussia Monchengladbach, Arsenal, and Leverkusen, building a profile as a leader on and off the ball.

Xhaka’s Journey and What It Might Bring to Juve

Granit Xhaka’s journey began in Basel, where his determined style and maturity stood out early. He moved to Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012, where he learned to control tempo and organize a midfield unit, eventually forming the core of the team’s spine. His arrival at Arsenal marked a period of growth through a mix of highs and challenges, including leadership responsibilities and public scrutiny, before maturing under new management. At Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, he refined his leadership and deep-lying playmaking abilities, showcasing a knack for dictating play from deep positions.

Joining Juventus would bring a veteran presence with a proven track record in elite leagues and European competition. His combination of tactical intelligence, balance in passing, and resilience could complement Juve’s core and provide a reliable option when midfield balance is tested. If the transfer materializes, Xhaka’s experience could help Juve in both the domestic league and European challenges, while also adding a voice of leadership to a squad looking to rise again. Note: This section highlights a potential move based on circulating reports and historical context of Xhaka’s career.

Punchlines

Punchline 1: If Xhaka returns to Juve, they’ll finally have a midfielder who hits the target with the precision of a well-aimed espresso shot—sharp and not too bitter at the end of the day.

Punchline 2: A veteran in midfield with leadership instincts? Juve might finally stop arguing about who should pass and start passing with the confidence of a sniper hitting moving targets—just with fewer dramatic pauses and more goals.