Phil Bardsley: Xhaka Can Have Big Impact On Sunderland’s Premier League Return

Phil Bardsley believes new recruit Granit Xhaka has the quality to make a real impact as Sunderland embark on their first season back in the Premier League since 2017.

The Black Cats sealed a £13million move – with a further £4m possible in add-ons – to bring the defensive midfielder in from German side Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Mackems defender also believes the club will have to adapt following the departure of Jobe Bellingham.

Speaking exclusively to Gambling.com, Bardsley suggested there is room for quiet optimism at the Stadium of Light as the club looks forward to returning to the top flight.

Xhaka Offers Great Pedigree

Xhaka, who boasts over a decade of international experience, put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light earlier this summer.

The 32-year-old Swiss veteran, who spent seven seasons in the Premier League with Arsenal, is eager to return to English football after two years in the Bundesliga.

Bardsley, who will be representing Manchester United at the Manchester Masters at the AO Arena on September 5, feels he will offer much-needed experience to a young squad.

“Xhaka has obviously played in the Premier League, so I think he will be a good signing,” he said.

“He's got a great pedigree, great experience, and he chips in with the odd goal as well – he's got a wonderful left foot.

“They still need a few more through the door who can help nurture the younger players because they've got some brilliant young talent there.

“What they've done in the last two or three years has been outstanding.”

Black Cats Should Enjoy The Ride

Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years after clinching promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Fans can be forgiven for being quietly excited under disciplined manager Regis Le Bris as the Black Cats aim to re-establish themselves among England’s elite after years in the lower divisions.

Bardsley is fully aware of the challenge his old club face, but believes the fans should make the most of the experience.

“It's going to be difficult," he said.

They've got a lot of young players who have not played at the level of the Premier League.

“But just enjoy the ride and enjoy the journey, enjoy being in the Premier League, because that's what it's all about.

“The fan base is like no other. It'll be a great season for them, hopefully, where they can roll their sleeves up and give it their best.

“It's been far too long since they have played in the Premier League for a club of that size, and for a manager to come in and do that in two seasons is exceptional.

“Le Bris fully deserved a new deal and hopefully now he can build and grow. He won't be stupid and knows that obviously there's going to be a real challenge this season.

“The target will be to try and stay in the division.”

Bellingham Departure Didn't Need To Happen

If Sunderland are to survive in the Premier League, they will have to do it without Bellingham, who was a standout performer for the club last season.

Having joined from Birmingham in June 2023, played a pivotal role in promotion from the Championship last season, before signing for Borussia Dortmund - the club where his brother played before joining Real Madrid - for around £27m in June.

And Bardsley believes he may have been a little hasty when making his decision.

“I just don't think there's anywhere better than the Premier League to go play football,” he said.

“Obviously, Germany has served players well in the past with young players going over there and doing particularly well.

“But I think he should have given it a year in the Premier League and see how he got on. Dortmund will always be there for you.

“Credit to him for what he's done at Sunderland. He's been brilliant over the last two or three seasons and looks like a chip off the old block.”