Ten Hag Criticized Over Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland Move

Granit Xhaka’s Transfer: Ten Hag Faces Tough Questions

Granit Xhaka’s transfer saga has taken the football world by storm as the Swiss midfielder finalizes his remarkable return to the Premier League with Sunderland. The £17 million move has generated widespread debate, with legendary German midfielder Lothar Matthäus openly criticizing Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag for not doing more to keep Xhaka at the club.

Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland Move Sparks Controversy

Granit Xhaka, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title triumph in the 2023-2024 season, has now committed his future to Sunderland in a deal that shocked fans and pundits alike. Many viewed Xhaka as a lynchpin in Leverkusen’s midfield, and his exit leaves a significant void. Lothar Matthäus, a respected figure in German football, did not mince his words as he voiced frustration with Ten Hag. According to Matthäus, the Sunderland transfer could have easily been avoided if the manager had fought harder to retain the 31-year-old’s services.

Ten Hag’s Role in the Granit Xhaka Transfer

The central issue revolves around Erik ten Hag’s decision-making as Bayer Leverkusen manager. Under Ten Hag, Leverkusen enjoyed one of their best seasons, with Xhaka anchoring the midfield and providing both leadership and experience. Matthäus believes that losing such a key player could potentially harm Leverkusen’s competitiveness in both domestic and European campaigns.

In a direct statement, Matthäus remarked, “Letting Granit Xhaka go to Sunderland is a mistake that could have been prevented. Ten Hag should have fought much harder to keep someone of his caliber.” The German legend stressed that clubs must retain their best talents, especially after a title-winning season.

Why Sunderland Wanted Granit Xhaka

Sunderland’s pursuit of Granit Xhaka was not without merit. The Black Cats saw in Xhaka a player with Premier League pedigree, tactical intelligence, and leadership skills honed by years at Arsenal and Leverkusen. His ability to control the tempo of the game and marshal the midfield aligns perfectly with Sunderland’s ambitions to return to top-flight glory.

Impact on Bayer Leverkusen’s Midfield

For Leverkusen, the loss of Xhaka is a substantial blow. His on-field presence was instrumental in their 2023-24 title push, often acting as the bridge between defense and attack. Xhaka’s leadership qualities extended off the pitch, helping develop younger talents and providing stability during high-pressure situations.

Erik ten Hag now faces the challenge of restructuring his midfield and finding a replacement who can match Xhaka’s influence. The pressure to deliver remains high, especially with raised expectations after their recent success.

Legacy of Granit Xhaka’s Bundesliga Stint

Granit Xhaka’s time at Bayer Leverkusen will be remembered fondly by supporters. Arriving from Arsenal, he immediately became a fan favorite, thanks to his tireless work ethic and ability to perform in crucial matches. Under Ten Hag’s management, Xhaka reached new heights, guiding the team to silverware and earning respect across the league.

However, his departure underlines the importance of managerial decisions in retaining core players. Matthäus’s critique of Ten Hag underscores a broader discussion within football about balancing player ambitions with club needs.

What This Means for Sunderland

For Sunderland, signing Granit Xhaka signals clear intent to compete aggressively in the Premier League. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for a club aiming to re-establish itself among England’s elite. Xhaka’s arrival is expected to lift the squad’s overall quality and act as a catalyst for further ambitious transfers.

Opinion: Was Ten Hag Right to Let Xhaka Leave?

While Granit Xhaka’s move to Sunderland brings excitement to Wearside, it also raises serious questions about Erik ten Hag’s strategy at Bayer Leverkusen. Letting go of a proven leader and midfield powerhouse could prove costly, especially as Leverkusen look to defend their Bundesliga crown and compete in Europe. In top-level football, retaining proven talent after a title-winning season should be a priority. Ten Hag’s decision may come back to haunt him unless a worthy replacement is found quickly.

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