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Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares react as Arsenal cult hero Granit Xhaka joins Sunderland

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal cult hero Granit Xhaka has joined Sunderland, and Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares have responded to their old teammate’s big move.

The Arsenal icon and Switzerland captain is back in the Premier League after two years away, joining Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of £17million.

Granit Xhaka has penned a three-year contract with Sunderland, who reportedly paid an initial £13million to Leverkusen along with a potential extra £4million in add-ons.

Xhaka took to social media to give his thoughts on his move to the Stadium of Light, and Elneny and Cedric were among those who left him comments in the replies.

Sunderland Unveil New Signing Granit Xhaka
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares wish Granit Xhaka the best of luck

Xhaka took to Instagram to express his delight and pride at joining Sunderland, saying he wants to help “make something special” with the club.

He wrote: “New Chapter. New Challenge. Let’s Go, Black Cats! Proud and excited to join @sunderlandafc!

“This is a big step and a special project – and I can’t wait to get started.

“Thank you to the club and everyone involved for the trust and belief in me. Let’s make something special together. See you soon, Stadium of Light. Let’s get to work.”

Mohamed Elneny responded by saying: “Good luck to you bro you deserve the best”. He also included emojis of a flexed bicep and a red heart.

Meanwhile, Cedric Soares wrote in German: “Best of luck brother.”

Screengrab of replies under Granit Xhaka's Instagram post about his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland
Screengrab of replies under Granit Xhaka’s Instagram post about his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland Credit: @granitxhaka Instagram

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Where Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares are now

Elneny spent eight years on the books at Arsenal, joining from Basel in 2016 and leaving for UAE side Al-Jazira on a free transfer in 2024.

The 33-year-old made 33 appearances for the Abu Dhabi-based outfit last season, captaining the team on several occasions.

Elneny also lifted the UAE League Cup in April as his side ran out 2-1 winners over Shabab Al-Ahli.

Likewise, Cedric – also 33 – left Arsenal at the end of the 2023/24 season, the Portuguese having spent four years on the Gunners’ books.

Cedric remained a free agent until the start of 2025, when he joined Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, and he has made 29 appearances to date.