Sunderland completed best bit of transfer business early despite record deal on cards

The view on Sunderland's summer transfer business so farNick Loughlin17:57, 28 Aug 2026Granit Xhaka turned down Chelsea this summer in order to stay at Sunderland.(Image: (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images))Don Goodman, the former Sunderland striker, believes his former club’s best bit of business this summer was done in house.‌While they have been linked with a move for Jack Grealish, have signed two new full backs and are set for a club record deal for Marseille winger Igor Paixao with Europa League football on the calendar this season, keeping Granit Xhaka will be key according to Goodman.‌Xhaka was imperious in red and white last season as he set the standards on and off the pitch with his leadership to the fore. But there was a lot of noise over the summer about a move to Chelsea.‌Wh