Xabi Alonso has responded after Chelsea failed in their attempt to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.
Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on Chelsea’s interest in Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka but declined to discuss the midfielder publicly.
The Chelsea head coach was asked about Xhaka following the collapse of the Premier League club’s attempts to bring the Switzerland international to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had explored a move for Xhaka, who was understood to have been attracted by the possibility of working with Alonso again following their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Sunderland’s position remained consistent throughout the brief transfer saga. The Black Cats insisted their captain was not for sale and rejected Chelsea’s attempts to negotiate a deal. Sunderland only signed Xhaka from Leverkusen last summer in a package worth up to around £17million and viewed the experienced midfielder as a crucial part of Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of the club’s return to European competition.
Xhaka was initially open to discussing the opportunity, but subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland following talks with the club. The opportunity to captain Sunderland in Europe, alongside the club’s longer-term ambitions, played a significant role in his decision to remain at the Stadium of Light.
Alonso’s response offered little additional insight into Chelsea’s pursuit, although his refusal to discuss Xhaka was unsurprising now that the move is no longer expected to progress. Alonso said: “Granit Xhaka? No comment on players who are not here with us.” Sunderland now see the matter is firmly closed as Xhaka prepares to lead Le Bris’ side into the 2026/27 campaign.
Continue Reading