Chelsea are pushing to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland in a move which would see him reunite with ex-Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso after just one year apart
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Captain Granit Xhaka of Switzerland speaks during the Switzerland Press Conference at St. Jakob-Park on March 26, 2026 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka recently addressed his future(Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea - weeks after stating that he was 'really happy' he wouldn't be on the move. Xhaka, 33, is understood be pushing to join the Blues, although Sunderland consider him not for sale.
The midfielder is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, who've reached the knockout phase and will play Algeria in the round of 32. Xhaka recently talked about how a lack of speculation over his future would allow him to 'fully focus' on the tournament.
Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick earlier this month, the former Arsenal star affirmed: "For me, the most important thing is that my family is happy. And we are in Sunderland.
"I'm not even thinking about a transfer. I'm really happy to finally have a summer without any speculation about my future. That's rarely been the case in recent years. This allows me to fully focus on the World Cup."
Now, though, Sky Germany report that Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who are in talks with Sunderland over a deal. Xhaka worked with new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso for two years at Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in 2024, and is keen on a reunion at Stamford Bridge.
That's after spending less than a year in Sunderland, previously describing the city as a 'second home'. Xhaka was also installed as club captain by manager Regis Le Bris just over two weeks after signing for the Black Cats.
"It's a bit like home for me," Xhaka added. "The city feels like Basel. Like the St. Johann district where I grew up. You can only perform at your best when you feel comfortable in a place."
Granit Xhaka of Sunderland celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka captained Sunderland into Europe(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Xhaka was instrumental under Le Bris last season, as Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League table. The 33-year-old was expected to lead the Black Cats out in the Europa League next term, but his future has been plunged into uncertainty.
Alonso is looking to sign experienced players this summer and midfield is a priority. The ex-Leverkusen boss has also been given the title of manager as opposed to head coach, suggesting that he'll have more power than his predecessors.
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