Sunderland have rejected an opening £8 million bid from Chelsea for club captain Granit Xhaka, signalling their firm intent to retain the veteran Swiss international despite strong interest from Stamford Bridge. The Blues, acting swiftly under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, initiated contact over the 33-year-old midfielder, but Sunderland have made it clear that their midfield anchor is not for sale. The transfer saga has accelerated over the weekend, with reports suggesting Xhaka has already reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Chelsea. Xhaka, currently away on international duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is believed to be keen to reunite with Alonso. The pair previously forged a successful partnership at Bayer Leverkusen, where Xhaka anchored the midfield during their historic unbeaten domestic double campaign in 2024.
Sunderland are under no immediate pressure to cash in on Xhaka, who is tied to a long-term contract at the Stadium of Light until June 2028. Since arriving on Wearside, Xhaka has enjoyed a career resurgence under Regis Le Bris. He was immediately handed the captain’s armband and emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, starting 32 matches and orchestrating a campaign that saw the newly promoted Black Cats secure an impressive seventh-place finish.
After qualifying for the UEFA Europa League on the final day of the season, Sunderland’s hierarchy considers Xhaka indispensable to their continental ambitions. The Black Cats’ executives have made it clear to Chelsea that they are not prepared to sanction a sale.