Former German international Lothar Matthaus has criticized Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to agree to Granit Xhaka’s transfer to Sunderland this summer, claiming he “does not accept” that it couldn’t have been stopped. Sunderland’s bold move to sign the Swiss playmaker last month was surprising, especially since Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag had shown clear intent to keep Xhaka in the squad. Once the deal was completed, Xhaka was unveiled as a Sunderland player and is expected to provide leadership, possibly even wearing the captain’s armband as the club seeks to return to top-tier football.
Explaining the move, Leverkusen’s transfer chief Simon Rolfes said on the club’s official website that granting Xhaka’s urgent request to leave was ultimately in everyone’s best interest. He praised Xhaka’s vital role in helping the team win the domestic double in 2024 and wished him well for the future. Matthaus , however, expressed disappointment with the club’s decision-making during a turbulent period. Leverkusen has lost several key figures — former manager Xabi Alonso, star player Florian Wirtz, and others — prompting concerns about the team’s stability.
Speaking to *Sport BILD*, Matthaus remarked, “At least no one can accuse Leverkusen of mourning their departures; Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, Lukas Hradecky to Monaco… And then Granit Xhaka to Sunderland! I can hardly remember seeing a more drastic upheaval at a top team.” While he conceded that some exits were understandable, he strongly opposed Xhaka’s departure, insisting his absence would be deeply felt.
Matthaus also criticized Ten Hag for failing to fight harder to keep “the strategist and the heart of the team.” He suggested the coach will now have to rely heavily on Robert Andrich as the central midfield leader to keep Leverkusen competitive this season, questioning the club’s overall direction amid such sweeping changes.
