Sunderland’s stance has emerged after shock reports claimed Granit Xhaka could make a stunning move to Chelsea.
Sunderland have been hit by shock reports claiming Granit Xhaka could make a stunning summer move to Chelsea.
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The midfielder enjoyed an outstanding first season on Wearside after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last year, captaining the side and playing a key role in their remarkable Premier League campaign. His influence, experience and leadership quickly made him one of the club’s most important players. However, fresh reports have now claimed Chelsea are trying to pull off a surprise deal for the Switzerland international, with Xhaka said to be keen on a move back to London and a reunion with Xabi Alonso.
Fabrizio Romano posted: “Granit Xhaka can be Chelsea surprise signing in midfield. The midfielder wants to re-join Xabi Alonso and has expressed desire to return to London accepting any contract condition just to join #CFC, reunite with Xabi and go back to London. Deal on.”
Florian Plettenberg has since added further detail, claiming that Xhaka and Chelsea have already reached an agreement over personal terms. He posted: “Granit Xhaka and Chelsea have already reached a full verbal agreement over a transfer. Personal terms have been fully agreed. Chelsea are already in contact with Sunderland. Xabi Alonso is pushing hard to sign Xhaka post Blick and various English media outlets.”
What we know about Granit Xhaka to Chelsea
The Echo understands Sunderland would not welcome any offers for Xhaka at this stage, and the player is considered not for sale. That is a significant stance given the strength of the reports emerging elsewhere. Romano and Plettenberg are both reporting significant Chelsea interest, while Plettenberg claims personal terms have already been agreed and that contact has been made with Sunderland.
Sources at the Sunderland end had remained tight-lipped earlier in the day, but the club’s position is understood to be clear. The Black Cats are under no pressure to sell, with Xhaka under contract until 2028 after signing from Bayer Leverkusen last year. Xhaka is also still away with Switzerland at the World Cup. You would assume that remains his immediate focus, particularly given his role as captain and one of the senior figures in the Swiss squad.
There is also the wider context of Sunderland’s position. The Black Cats have Europa League football to offer next season, while Chelsea do not, and at the time of Xhaka’s signing it was widely understood and reported that he wanted to come to Sunderland because of the long-term project being built on Wearside. That does not make a move impossible, but it is relevant. Xhaka did not arrive at Sunderland as a short-term stopgap. He came in as a statement signing and quickly became central to the club’s identity under Régis Le Bris.
Granit Xkaka to Chelsea links analysed
At the same time, there would clearly be a financial calculation to make if a huge offer ever arrived. Xhaka turns 34 next year, and if a package worth around €30million - roughly £25.5million - was placed on the table, Sunderland would have to consider the numbers. From a trading perspective, that kind of fee for a player of his age would be significant.
Sunderland also have PSR, SCR and UEFA squad cost rules to consider when it comes to player sales and squad management. A major fee for a soon-to-be 34-year-old would represent a profit and potentially strengthen the club’s financial position. Florent Ghisolfi has also recently made clear that he is not afraid to sell a player if the deal is right for Sunderland.
But Xhaka is not viewed as a player Sunderland want to move on, and the footballing cost would be huge. He is captain, a dressing-room leader and a player whose standards have helped shape Sunderland’s rise. His leadership would be a massive loss, particularly with Premier League and Europa League football to prepare for.
There is also the Alonso factor. Xhaka decided to leave Bayer Leverkusen after Alonso moved to Real Madrid, and it is fair to say he probably would not have left had the Spaniard stayed. That existing relationship is now being presented as a major part of Chelsea’s push. For now, this is one to watch closely. The reports elsewhere are strong, but Sunderland’s position is understood to be firm: they are under no pressure to sell and Xhaka is considered not for sale.
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