Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has all-but confirmed the arrival of Kosovo defender Arbenit Xhemajli.
With the 2020/2021 season fast approaching, transfer rumours continue to be rife around the Stadium of Light and one of those players most linked is Xhemajli with Chronicle LIVE being amongst the first to share the news.
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The young defender became a free agent following his exit from Neuchatel Xamax this summer is valued at £765,000 by Transfermarkt.
After appearing for the Black Cats against Gateshead last week, with website Roker Report handing him a 6/10 for his display, speculation has mounted over whether or not a permanent deal would be offered.
The 22-year-old would add some further defensive cover to Parkinson’s back-line and the Sunderland boss has now revealed that a deal is close.
Speaking ahead of Sunderland’s Carabao Cup first round game, he said: “It’s been well documented that we’ve been speaking to Arbenit Xhemajli, from Xamax over in Switzerland.
“He’s a player we’d like to bring in for many reasons – he’s a young player, he’s got good quality and he can play right across the back three or four. We’re close to bringing him in, and that would be a good boost for us in terms of having another young player who can work with and strengthen the squad.
“But we need at least another three players need to come in to make us strong enough. We’ve got to be realistic that we’ve almost got to have two XIs to meet the demands of the midweek games, that’s going to be the case this season. We’re not there yet, but we’re close to completing a deal before the weekend, which will be great for us, and then there are one or two others we’re waiting to fall our way next week.”
Bringing in Arbenit Xhemajli would prove a slight gamble but it is another signing to add to Parkinson’s defence.
As the manager alluded to, the club needs depth given the sheer amount of fixtures in a season, with the club set to compete in League One, both domestic cups and the EFL Trophy.
Every arrival and decision Parkinson makes this summer and heading into the season will be heavily scrutinised and Xhemajli’s performances will be looked into in depth by fans given he has no experience of English football.
Do you think Xhemajli is a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below…
