Move over Xhaka: Sunderland star deserves to be Le Bris’ next captain

Football FanCast writer Ethan Lamb argues that Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris should replace Granit Xhaka as club captain with 21-year-old midfielder Noah Sadiki. Sunderland have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, earning just one win from nine Premier League matches and recently suffering a 2-0 Europa League home defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, leading supporters to voice their frustration.

Lamb contends that the 34-year-old Xhaka has struggled with poor form, declining influence, and negative reactions from supporters. In contrast, the writer highlights Sadiki's strong performances, high work rate, and superior passing metrics, recommending that Le Bris reward the DR Congo international with the captain's armband.