Granit Xhaka is set to remain at Sunderland this summer despite interest from Chelsea.
Athletic In June it was reported that Chelsea had made an £8 million (€9.2 million, $10.5 million) bid for the Swiss, but it was rejected.
Sunderland found this proposal unacceptable and regarded this approach as disrespect for the club’s 33-year-old midfielder.
Xhaka has a contract until 2028 at the Stadium of Light and was keen to move. However, following discussions, he has declared his commitment to Sunderland and is expected to remain at the Stadium of Light, where he is considered a key figure.
New coach Xabi Alonso pushed Chelsea towards Xhaka and was keen to reunite with him after working together at Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Arsenal man joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth up to £17.5 million including add-ons and made 34 league appearances as Regis Le Bris’ newly promoted side qualified for the Europa League by finishing seventh.
Under Alonso’s guidance in Germany, the midfielder played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title in 2023/24, becoming the first team to achieve the feat unbeaten, as well as winning the German Cup and reaching the Europa League final.
He is currently competing in the World Cup with Switzerland and his country reached the last 16 with a win over Algeria on Thursday.
“A huge tonic for Sunderland”
Two shocks in a week and a surge of emotions. This is how the past six days will be remembered on Wearside.
When news broke last Saturday that Chelsea were pursuing Xhaka and, more pertinently, the Swiss midfielder’s desire to be involved in a move, the sense of gloom that Sunderland were so accustomed to in the old days came to the fore. Coming off the club’s best season in more than half a century, their captain, who had enormous influence both on and off the pitch, was on the verge of promotion.
The fact that he does stay will give Sunderland a huge boost. Xhaka’s influence on the match last season cannot be overstated; he was at the center of everything. Securing Europa League qualification on the final day of the season, Sunderland’s second appearance in Europe, was significant. The thought that they would have to travel without the person so capable of making it possible was unsettling.
The same thing happened with a potential side effect. Xhaka was instrumental in the signing of defender Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain last season, for example, and Sunderland with him attracts far more attention than one without. It was not unreasonable to wonder whether his departure might trigger a mass exodus.
So his stay goes beyond Xhaka alone, and while some may naturally question his commitment, it’s worth saying he hasn’t pushed the issue of a reunion with Xabi Alonso. The reunion was enjoyed, serious discussions took place and had Sunderland’s resolve been more genuinely tested then perhaps the move would have happened after all.
Sunderland are adamant on this and the club have consistently stated that Xhaka is not for sale at any price.
Pending a further turnaround, Xhaka will lead Sunderland into Europe next season. (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
This statement has not been subjected to significant stress testing. Chelsea’s opening bid of £8 million was meager, an offer that would have required Sunderland to make a loss on their star. In any case, this is undesirable in an era of financial regulation; Given Xhaka’s central role and importance at Sunderland, the suggestion was an insult.
Sunderland’s resilience also serves as a rebuke to the idea, supported by a wealth of recent evidence, that the Premier League’s richest men can pick whoever they want from their less educated peers.
Whatever the entertainment of the last week or so, Xhaka’s commitment to Sunderland’s cause has been reaffirmed and he, barring another U-turn that few see coming, will lead them into that long-awaited European campaign. This, along with the club’s long-term ambitions and Xhaka’s connections with the club’s fans, are believed to be driving factors in his decision to stay.
Xhaka stood on the Stadium of Light pitch after European qualification was secured and told fans: “This is just the beginning and we want more.” The speech has been repeated countless times on Wearside over the past week, with supporters dismayed at the apparent betrayal.
But football, like life, has the ability to surprise. In the end, Xhaka seemed to be telling the truth.