Fresh reports in Italy claim that Granit Xhaka has now personally told Xabi Alonso he will not join Chelsea
Fresh reports in Italy have shed new light on Granit Xhaka’s decision to remain at Sunderland amid Chelsea’s interest in the Black Cats captain.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Xhaka has personally informed Xabi Alonso that he will not be joining Chelsea this summer, despite the Spaniard’s desire to reunite with the experienced midfielder at Stamford Bridge.
Xhaka worked under Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable 2023-24 campaign, helping the German side win the Bundesliga unbeaten as part of a domestic double. That relationship was central to Chelsea’s interest, with Alonso keen to bring in a player he knows and trusts ahead of his first season in charge.
Di Marzio reports that Xhaka and his entourage have now made clear to Chelsea’s management that he will not be leaving Sunderland, with the Swiss international instead deciding to continue his journey on Wearside. It comes after Sunderland were quick to send a cheeky social media message to supporters on Friday night, shortly after news broke that Xhaka had reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
The Black Cats posted: “We’ve got 👏👏 Granit Xhaka…” They added: “Our captain will be back in action on Tuesday as Switzerland face either Colombia or Ghana in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.” Xhaka shared the post on his own social media channels shortly afterwards, in a further indication of his position after a dramatic few days.
Sunderland also posted footage of Xhaka singing along to Can’t Help Falling In Love With You on the final day of the campaign at the Stadium of Light with his family, captioning the post: “Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka.” Xhaka also shared that post.
The 33-year-old had been open to exploring the possibility of a reunion with Alonso, but Sunderland’s position remained firm throughout. The club rejected an £8million bid from Chelsea last weekend, a figure viewed as derisory given Xhaka’s importance on and off the pitch.
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Sunderland have consistently made clear that their captain was not for sale, having only signed him last summer in a package worth around £17.5million from Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka’s decision represents a major boost for Régis Le Bris, with Sunderland preparing for European football next season after a remarkable first campaign back in the Premier League.
The midfielder played a pivotal role in that success, bringing leadership, authority and experience to the centre of the pitch as Sunderland secured a historic qualification for the Europa League. Di Marzio adds that Alonso had hoped to be satisfied in his pursuit of Xhaka, but the midfielder’s stance is now clear. Chelsea’s interest was serious, Sunderland’s resistance was firm, and Xhaka is now expected to remain on Wearside.
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