“We Have to Sign Him!” Granit Xhaka Makes an Emotional Transfer Plea to Régis Le Bris Over the One Player He’s Always Dreamed of Playing Alongside

With Sunderland’s summer transfer window gathering momentum, excitement around the Stadium of Light continues to grow. After an encouraging campaign, supporters have made no secret of their belief that the squad still needs strengthening in several key areas if the Black Cats are to compete consistently at the highest level.

The club has already been linked with several exciting names, while Régis Le Bris and the recruitment department continue working behind the scenes to assemble a squad capable of matching the ambitions of Sunderland’s passionate supporters. Among the priorities many fans have identified are midfield creativity, experience, and players capable of controlling matches against top opposition.

Granit Xhaka spoke to journalists following a pre-season training session as Sunderland stepped up preparations for the new campaign.

Asked how he felt about Sunderland’s activity during the transfer window, Xhaka praised both the manager and the club’s recruitment team.

“I’ve been very impressed with how the club has approached this summer,” he said. “Everyone is working with one goal, to build a team that can compete every single week. The players who have arrived bring quality, energy and ambition, while the squad we already have is hungry to improve.”

He continued by highlighting the atmosphere around the training ground.

“The preparation has been excellent. Every training session has been intense, and you can already see how much belief exists inside this group. The manager has clear ideas about how he wants us to play, and every player is buying into that philosophy.”

When one journalist asked whether there was a particular player he believed could elevate Sunderland even further before the transfer window closed, Xhaka paused briefly before smiling.

“If you ask me honestly,” he replied, “there is one player I have always admired.”

The room immediately fell silent as reporters waited for the experienced midfielder to continue.

“For me, that player is Gustavo Hamer.”

Xhaka explained why the Sheffield United midfielder had earned his admiration over the years.

“I’ve watched Gustavo for a long time. He’s fearless on the ball, works tirelessly for his team and has the ability to completely change the rhythm of a match. Those are qualities every successful side needs.”

The Sunderland midfielder went on to praise Hamer’s technical ability and football intelligence.

“He’s comfortable under pressure, he sees passes that many players don’t, and he never hides when the game becomes difficult. I respect players who always want the ball regardless of the situation, and Gustavo is definitely one of those footballers.”

As the conversation continued, Xhaka admitted it had long been a personal ambition to share a midfield with the Brazilian-born Dutch international.

“I’ve always imagined what it would be like to play alongside someone with his qualities. Midfield partnerships are built on trust, communication and understanding, and I genuinely believe Gustavo would be an outstanding teammate.”

The veteran then delivered what many supporters would interpret as an emotional appeal to Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris.

“If there was ever an opportunity, I would tell the manager one thing, we have to sign him. Players like Gustavo don’t just improve the starting eleven; they raise the standards of everyone around them. He brings quality, leadership and the mentality needed to compete against the best teams.”

Xhaka also praised Sunderland’s ambition during the current transfer window, insisting the club should never be afraid of aiming high.

“This club has incredible supporters who deserve to see Sunderland continue moving forward. Every transfer window is an opportunity to improve, and when players of real quality become available, you always have to be ready.”

Although it reflects the optimism surrounding Sunderland’s summer rebuild. Supporters remain eager to see further additions before the transfer deadline, particularly in areas where the team lacked consistency last season.

Whether or not Sunderland strengthen their midfield further, one thing is certain: expectations are growing, belief is returning, and fans will be hoping the club’s transfer business gives Régis Le Bris every chance of delivering an exciting season at the Stadium of Light.