In a stunning revelation that will have football fans wondering what might have been, Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has disclosed how Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka came agonisingly close to joining Sunderland back in 2016.
The potential transfer, which would have seen the Swiss international arrive at the Stadium of Light instead of moving to North London, represents one of the great sliding doors moments in recent Premier League history.
The Meeting That Almost Changed Everything
Pickford, who was Sunderland's emerging shot-stopper at the time, recalled the pivotal moment when Xhaka visited the club's training facilities. "He was in the building," Pickford revealed during an interview on the Overlap podcast. "He came to the Academy of Light. I remember him being there."
The then-23-year-old Xhaka was heavily scouted by Sunderland during his impressive spell with Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Black Cats saw him as the perfect addition to bolster their midfield, but ultimately couldn't secure the deal.
From Near-Miss to Premier League Rivals
Instead of wearing the red and white stripes of Sunderland, Xhaka completed a £30 million move to Arsenal that summer, becoming a key figure for the Gunners over seven seasons that included two FA Cup triumphs.
Pickford's career trajectory also changed dramatically shortly after, with the goalkeeper moving to Everton in a £30 million deal in 2017, making him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history at the time.
A Different Premier League Landscape
This revelation raises fascinating questions about how both clubs' fortunes might have differed had the transfer materialised. Would Xhaka have helped Sunderland avoid their eventual relegation? How would Arsenal have coped without his influential presence in midfield?
The near-signing serves as a poignant reminder of how fine margins can shape football history, with both players going on to become established Premier League stars who've faced each other numerous times since that almost-fated meeting in the North East.
