Granit Xhaka’s Return to the Emirates: A Moment of Appreciation
On August 7, 2024, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka experienced an emotional return to the Emirates Stadium as he faced his old club with his new team, Bayer Leverkusen.1
The match, a pre-season friendly, was more than just a regular fixture; it was a reunion between Xhaka and the Arsenal faithful who had seen him evolve over his years at the club.
Table of Contents
Standing Ovation from the Arsenal Faithful
- Xhaka, who had spent a significant part of his career at Arsenal before moving to Bayer Leverkusen, was greeted with a standing ovation by the Gunners fans as he left the pitch in the 80th minute.
- This gesture of appreciation was a testament to the impact Xhaka had during his time at Arsenal, where he was known for his leadership, tenacity, and commitment on the field.
- The ovation was not just a recognition of his performance in the game but also an acknowledgment of the bond he shared with the Arsenal supporters.
- Despite some turbulent moments during his tenure, including a well-publicized fallout with the fans in 2019, Xhaka had managed to rebuild his relationship with the Arsenal faithful, ultimately leaving on good terms.
The Match and Xhaka’s Performance
In the friendly match, Xhaka featured prominently for Bayer Leverkusen, starting the game and contributing to his team’s efforts against his former club. His presence on the field was a reminder of the quality he had brought to Arsenal’s midfield during his time in North London.
His eventual substitution in the 80th minute, replaced by Gustavo Puerta, provided the perfect moment for the Emirates crowd to express their gratitude.
A Warm Reception from Mikel Arteta
As Xhaka made his way off the pitch, he shared a heartfelt hug with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This interaction highlighted the mutual respect between the two, with Arteta having played a significant role in Xhaka’s resurgence at Arsenal after the midfielder’s difficult period with the club.
Arteta’s embrace was a symbolic gesture, recognizing Xhaka’s contributions and the journey they had shared at Arsenal.
Xhaka’s Arsenal Legacy
Granit Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was marked by both highs and lows. Joining the club in 2016 from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Xhaka quickly established himself as a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield.2
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His robust playing style, coupled with his leadership qualities, made him a central figure under various managers, including Arsène Wenger, Unai Emery, and Mikel Arteta.
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Arsenal Dominate Bayer Leverkusen in Pre-Season Showdown
Arsenal delivered a commanding performance against Bayer Leverkusen in their penultimate pre-season friendly, securing a 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners showcased their strength and depth, sending a clear message to both their domestic rivals and the European football scene ahead of the upcoming season.3
The comprehensive win not only boosted the team’s confidence but also solidified their status as serious contenders in all competitions they will compete in during the 2024-2025 season.
Early Domination
- Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance in the match, with Oleksandr Zinchenko opening the scoring just eight minutes into the game.
- The Ukrainian defender, known for his versatility and attacking prowess, found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
- The early goal ignited the home crowd and put Bayer Leverkusen on the back foot right from the start.
- Before Leverkusen could regroup, Arsenal struck again. Less than a minute after Zinchenko’s goal, Leandro Trossard doubled the lead, finishing off a swift and incisive attacking move.
- The Belgian forward, who has been in impressive form throughout the pre-season, demonstrated his clinical finishing ability, giving the Gunners a 2-0 advantage and leaving Leverkusen reeling.
Continued Pressure and Tactical Mastery
Throughout the first half, Arsenal continued to apply pressure, maintaining high intensity and controlling the tempo of the game. Their fluid passing and movement off the ball made it difficult for Leverkusen to establish any rhythm.
Arsenal’s midfield, orchestrated by the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, was particularly effective in dictating play, winning back possession quickly, and launching attacks.
Second-Half Brilliance
The second half saw Arsenal continue their dominance, with the team showing no signs of complacency despite their two-goal cushion.
The Gunners extended their lead in the 55th minute when Bukayo Saka, who had been a constant menace down the right flank, scored with a precise finish. Saka’s goal, coming after a well-worked team move, underlined Arsenal’s attacking prowess and effectively put the game out of reach for Leverkusen.
Granit Xhaka: A Swiss Midfield Maestro
Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland, into an ethnic Albanian family originally from Kosovo. Football was in his blood, with his father, Ragip Xhaka, being a former footballer who played at a semi-professional level.
Granit and his older brother, Taulant, who also became a professional footballer, grew up playing the sport from a young age. The Xhaka brothers honed their skills on the streets of Basel before joining local clubs.
Rise Through the Ranks at FC Basel
Xhaka made his professional debut for FC Basel during the 2010-2011 season when he was just 18 years old. His performances in midfield were mature beyond his years, and he quickly became an integral part of the team.
Granit Xhaka really, really enjoyed his goal for Arsenal today 😆 pic.twitter.com/l2GfJl1rwu
— GOAL (@goal) July 1, 2020
During his time at Basel, Xhaka helped the club secure two Swiss Super League titles (2010-2011 and 2011-2012) and one Swiss Cup (2011-2012). His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his strong defensive contributions made him a standout player in Swiss football.
Move to Borussia Mönchengladbach
In the summer of 2012, Xhaka made a significant step in his career by joining Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. The German club signed him for a reported fee of €8.5 million, a significant amount for a player of his age.
Xhaka’s transition to the Bundesliga was initially challenging, as he had to adapt to the faster pace and physicality of German football.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As of 2024, Granit Xhaka continues to be an influential figure in European football. His move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023 marked a new chapter in his career, with the midfielder bringing his wealth of experience to the Bundesliga once again.
Xhaka’s leadership and footballing intelligence have made him a key player for Leverkusen, and he remains an integral part of the Swiss national team.
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Arsenal’s Signing of Granit Xhaka: A Key Transfer in 2016
On 25 May 2016, Arsenal completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a fee reported to be between £30 million and £35 million.
The acquisition of Xhaka was a significant move for Arsenal, reflecting their intent to strengthen the midfield with a player known for his physicality, passing range, and leadership qualities. Xhaka’s arrival marked one of the key transfers for the Gunners during the summer of 2016.
The N’Golo Kanté Factor
- Xhaka’s signing gained additional attention due to the circumstances surrounding Arsenal’s pursuit of another midfielder, N’Golo Kanté.
- At the time, Kanté was coming off an extraordinary season with Leicester City, where he played a pivotal role in their historic Premier League title win. Arsenal reportedly showed strong interest in bringing Kanté to the Emirates Stadium to bolster their midfield options.
- However, Arsenal ultimately decided against pursuing the transfer due to the high agent fees involved, which were said to exceed £10 million.
- This decision led them to shift focus to Xhaka, who became the alternative choice for reinforcing the midfield.
- While Kanté eventually joined Chelsea and continued to excel in the Premier League, Arsenal’s acquisition of Xhaka was seen as a strategic move to address the team’s needs in the middle of the park.
Granit Xhaka’s Impact at Arsenal
Xhaka’s arrival at Arsenal was met with high expectations, given his performances in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he had established himself as a key player. Known for his robust tackling, ability to dictate play from deep, and his leadership on the field, Xhaka was expected to bring a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield.
The Long-Term View
Looking back, the decision to sign Granit Xhaka instead of N’Golo Kanté has been a point of debate among Arsenal supporters and pundits.
While Kanté’s subsequent success at Chelsea, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, has highlighted what Arsenal potentially missed out on, Xhaka’s contribution to Arsenal has also been significant.
Granit Xhaka’s Contract and Salary
Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfield maestro, has enjoyed a remarkable career across some of Europe’s top football leagues. From his early days in the Swiss Super League to his successful stint in the Premier League with Arsenal, Xhaka has established himself as a consistent and reliable presence on the pitch.
His move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 marked a new chapter in his career, one that came with a lucrative contract reflecting his value as a top-tier player.
The Transfer from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka’s transfer from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 was one of the most talked-about moves of the summer. After spending several successful years at Arsenal, where he became a fan favorite and a key part of the team’s midfield, Xhaka decided to seek a new challenge in the Bundesliga.
The transfer deal was reportedly worth around £21.5 million, a significant amount that underscores Bayer Leverkusen’s belief in Xhaka’s ability to contribute at the highest level.
Contract Details
- Upon his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, Granit Xhaka signed a contract that is set to run until June 30, 2028. This five-year deal ensures that Xhaka will be a central figure in Leverkusen’s plans for the foreseeable future.
- The length of the contract reflects the club’s long-term commitment to Xhaka, and their belief that he can be a cornerstone of their midfield for years to come.
- The contract not only secures Xhaka’s services for a substantial period but also provides him with the financial security that comes with a top-tier player’s salary.
- Long-term contracts like this are not uncommon for players of Xhaka’s caliber, as they offer both the player and the club stability and a clear path forward.
Weekly and Annual Salary
Granit Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen also came with a lucrative salary package. It is reported that Xhaka earns £107,000 per week, a figure that places him among the higher earners in the Bundesliga.
This weekly salary translates to an impressive £5,564,000 per year, highlighting the financial commitment Bayer Leverkusen has made to secure Xhaka’s talents.
FAQ’S
1. Why did Granit Xhaka receive a hero’s welcome from Arsenal fans during the Leverkusen pre-season match?
Ans: Granit Xhaka received a hero’s welcome from Arsenal fans because of his significant contributions to the club during his time at Arsenal. He played a pivotal role in the midfield, showing leadership and commitment, which earned him the respect and admiration of the fans.
2. When and where did the Leverkusen pre-season match take place?
Ans: The Leverkusen pre-season match took place in July 2024 at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.
3. What was the significance of this pre-season match for Granit Xhaka?
Ans: The match was significant for Granit Xhaka as it marked his return to face Arsenal after transferring to Bayer Leverkusen. The warm reception from the Arsenal fans highlighted their appreciation for his time at the club.
4. How long did Granit Xhaka play for Arsenal before joining Bayer Leverkusen?
Ans: Granit Xhaka played for Arsenal from 2016 to 2023, spending seven years at the club before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen.
5. What was the outcome of the Leverkusen pre-season match?
Ans: The outcome of the match saw Bayer Leverkusen win 2-1 against Arsenal, with Granit Xhaka playing a key role for Leverkusen, further showcasing his importance to his new team.
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