---
title: "Sunderland: Arbenit Xhemajli arrives to bolster defence"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-sign-arbenit-xhemajli/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-09-05T07:30:19Z"
modified: "2020-09-05T07:30:19Z"
---

# Sunderland: Arbenit Xhemajli arrives to bolster defence

**Sunderland have [completed the signing](https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2020/september/xhemajli-signs-for-sunderland) of Kosovo international Arbenit Xhemajli, confirming the news via their official website.**

With the new season fast approaching, Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson has been busy in trying to improve his Sunderland squad.

Xjemajli has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light for some time, with [Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sunderland-keeping-tabs-kosovo-international-18703353) being among the first to share news of the League One club’s interest.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

The young defender became a free agent following his exit from Neuchatel Xamax this summer and is valued at £765,000 by [Transfermarkt.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/arbenit-xhemajli/profil/spieler/354155)

He appeared for the Black Cats against Gateshead last week, with website [Roker Report](https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2020/8/22/21376970/player-ratings-gateshead-1-3-sunderland-parkinsons-men-record-comfortable-victory-away-to-gateshead) handing him a 6/10 rating for his display, and it has now been confirmed that the defender has arrived at the club on a permanent deal.

Xhemajli becomes Phil Parkinson’s fifth signing of the summer, arriving after a [six-figure compensation payment](https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2020/september/xhemajli-signs-for-sunderland) was agreed with his former club.

The left footed defender made his first senior international appearance for Kosovo against Gibraltar after making five appearances for the under-21 side (as per [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/arbenit-xhemajli/profil/spieler/354155)).

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

A fifth signing for Sunderland has seen Parkinson take quite the gamble, with Xhemajli having [no experience of English football.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/arbenit-xhemajli/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/354155)

That being said, any signing for the Black Cats is welcome as they look to bounce back after a second consecutive promotion failure. The new season is almost upon us and Xhemajli is now available for the first league game against Bristol Rovers next Saturday.

***Do you think Xhemajli is a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know your views in the comments section below…***