Sunderland Secure Enzo Le Fee, but Granit Xhaka Deserves Priority

Sunderland moved quickly to secure one of their most valuable assets. French attacking midfielder Enzo Le Fee has signed a new contract that ties him to the Stadium of Light until 2031, a step that underscores the club's ambition to compete at the top end of the Premier League in the coming seasons.

The decision was not without reason. Le Fee, signed from AS Roma in July 2025 after a loan spell in the Championship, has quickly become the creative engine of The Black Cats. Data shows he created 13 big chances in the Premier League last season, equivalent to 20% of the 64 chances Sunderland created in total. That figure places him as the most productive player in opening space for his teammates.

Yet behind the certainty over Le Fee's future, a strategic question just as crucial emerges: what about Granit Xhaka? The former Arsenal captain is entering the second year of a contract that runs until 2028. At 33, he is no longer young, but his performances are trending upward. Since being bought from Bayer Leverkusen for £17 million a year ago, Xhaka has become a general in midfield on £100,000 per week.

Several observers believe Sunderland's management, led by technical director Florent Ghisolfi, needs to open contract extension talks for Xhaka soon. The reason: losing a player of his caliber at the end of next season could deal a severe blow to the team's stability. Xhaka's role is not merely as a tempo-setter, but also as a leader in the dressing room who can maintain the mentality of a young squad.

"Xhaka is a generational leader. Letting him go for nothing when his contract expires would be a huge mistake," said a Premier League analyst who follows Sunderland's development, as quoted from English football discussion.

This season, Sunderland have not been entirely smooth. Two straight defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City halted their momentum before the international break. Nevertheless, Xhaka's performances in the first five matches have remained in the spotlight. He looks fitter, more aggressive, and sharper in distributing the ball. There is even a view that he has been more dominant than in the 2025/26 season.

Chelsea's and Xabi Alonso's interest in Xhaka during last summer's transfer window is clear proof that his quality is still recognized at the highest level. Sunderland at the time took a firm stance and rejected all approaches. But that stance must be followed by concrete action: extending his contract before his status as a free agent prompts other clubs to move.

Indonesian Context

For football fans in Indonesia, the dynamics at Sunderland reflect how a promoted Premier League club manages the transition from dark horse to established force. The move to extend key players such as Le Fee and the potential negotiation with Xhaka show the importance of long-term contract planning, something that is often a weakness for Liga 1 clubs. Astute management does not only hunt for star players, but also ensures that proven assets do not leave without compensation.

Moreover, Xhaka's story of continuing to shine at 33 can be a lesson for Indonesian clubs in assessing senior players. Experience and leadership are often priceless, especially in a season-long competition that demands mental consistency. If Sunderland can keep Xhaka until 2029 or 2030, they will not only maintain quality on the pitch, but also build a professional culture passed on to the next generation.

Going forward, eyes will be on Florent Ghisolfi's next move. Will he soon present an extension proposal to Xhaka, or instead let his contract run into its final year? The answer to that question will determine Sunderland's direction over the next two to three seasons, whether they are ready to break into European competition regularly or slip back into mid-table.