Sunderland are yet to dip their toe in the summer transfer market with the World Cup taking precedence
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is wanted by Chelsea this summer.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is wanted by Chelsea this summer.(Image: (Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
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Sunderland were rocked by the news Chelsea's interest in Granit Xhaka broke earlier this week, with Xabi Alonso keen on reuniting with his former Bayer Leverkusen captain. The Swiss international is understood to want to work with his former boss and open to a return to London.
However, the club have been left insulted by Chelsea's derisory opening offer of £8million. The Black Cats swiftly rejected the approach and have made it clear that any further bids will be rejected.
Xhaka has two years left on his current contract at the Stadium of Light and will turn 34 later this year. Sunderland are under no pressure to sell their star man, but expect the transfer saga to rumble on.
Red and white supporters have witnessed first-hand the turgid nature of modern-day transfer windows, with one report claiming the player 'is pushing for a move to Chelsea'. While the player may want the move, in reality, Xhaka has thus far been respectful of Sunderland and has a good relationship with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and head coach Regis Le Bris.
At the same time, in a week where Chelsea have spoken about 'mutual respect' in agreeing compensation with Manchester City for former coach Enzo Maresca, they could do with paying Sunderland the same dues.
An £8m bid for a player who has transformed the club and helped them qualify for the Europa League, regardless of his age, shows a severe lack of respect for the Black Cats. Sunderland were happy to allow Marc Guiu to return to Stamford Bridge when Chelsea were hit by an injury crisis back in August last year, and believed they had a good working relationship with the Blues.
If Chelsea are serious about signing Xhaka this summer, they need to get off their high horse and show some respect to a side that not only finished above them last season, but took maximum points from them.
Granit Xhaka celebrates
Granit Xhaka is wanted by Chelsea(Image: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto)
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Sunderland's stance seems clear cut - they won't entertain any future offers - but as we know in football, things can change out of the club's control. Regardless of what happens, it's not a good look for Xhaka who gave a rousing speech about European qualification being just the start for Sunderland.
"First of all, thank you to the owner, thank you to Flo and thank you to the coach," he said on the pitch on the final day of the season. "I want to say thank you because these three people, what they did with this football club, players, staff, everyone included with the club is f------ unbelievable.
"Massive thank you as well to you guys. Without your support, at home, away, this is not possible. I can promise you from my sude as the captain of this football club, this is just the beginning and we want more."
Leaving at the first opportunity would leave an awful taste in the mouth. All eyes are on Xhaka.
Chemsdine Talbi's liking for the big moments
Chelsea away, Newcastle United away and now on the big stage at the World Cup. Chemsdine Talbi is building quite the reputation for producing in the big moments.
His pinpoint cross for Issa Diops' injury time equaliser could not have been anymore perfect. It was the goal that kept Morocco's World Cup dream alive and set up penalties.
Talbi scored from the spot in a dramatic end to the game, with Morocco dumping the Netherlands out of the competition. He may not have started much at the tounament, but the young Sunderland winger has shown he's got the quality needed.
Sunderland star Chemsdine Talbi has impressed when called upon at the World Cup for Morocco.
Sunderland star Chemsdine Talbi has impressed when called upon at the World Cup for Morocco.(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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As has fellow winger Nilson Angulo, who has been the standout performer for Ecuador at this summer's tournament. Injuries plagued his first few months on Wearside after arriving from Belgium.
If Sunderland are able to consistently get end product from both players, expect them to find an entirely new level next season, just in time for a Europa League campaign.
Florent Ghisolfi's plan
As expected, Sunderland have had a slow start to the summer transfer window with the World Cup taking precedence. The Premier League's big boys will act first, before Sunderland head into the market to make their moves.
One thing that's clear, is Sunderland need to clear the deck of fringe players who have no future at the club. Alan Browne, Aji Alese, Nazariy Rusyn, Luis Hemir Semedo, Abdoullah Ba are all expected to leave the club this summer, while Ahmed Abdullahi is another with long-term doubts over his future.
Youngster Eliezer Mayenda is another who is attracting interest from club's across Europe. Porto and Stade Rennais are interested in signing the Spanish youth international, with European reports claiming £25m would be enough into tempting Sunderland to sell a player with four years remaining on his Black Cats contract.
Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi will be patient with his transfer plan with outgoings as much as incomings crucial.