Chelsea Eye Shock Xhaka Move? Sunderland Says NO!
Chelsea Eye Shock Xhaka Move? Sunderland Says NO!
Transfer drama! Chelsea are reportedly in talks for veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka, but Sunderland insists he's not for sale. Will Xabi Alonso get his reunion? Dive into the unfolding saga!
A surprising transfer saga is unfolding as Chelsea are reportedly in talks with the representatives of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, currently at Sunderland. However, the Black Cats are quick to dismiss any notion of selling their key player, stating unequivocally that he is not for sale.
The Switzerland international, aged 33 and under contract until 2028, played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s successful campaign last season, helping them qualify for European competition. His strong performances, which saw him captain Regis Le Bris' side to a seventh-place finish in the league, earned him widespread praise, missing only four league games.
Reports suggest contact has been made from Stamford Bridge to Xhaka’s camp, with sources indicating that the former Arsenal man is open to reuniting with his former manager, Xabi Alonso, who now helms Chelsea. The pair previously celebrated a Bundesliga victory together with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, a connection that adds a compelling layer to these transfer rumors.
Despite the growing interest, personal terms with Chelsea have not yet been agreed. More significantly, Sunderland finds itself in a strong financial position, with no immediate pressure to offload key players. The club’s management has made it clear they have no intention of letting Xhaka leave, especially after he was instrumental in their Europa League qualification, notably at Chelsea’s expense on the final day of last season.
For Chelsea, pursuing a player who will turn 34 in September marks a significant departure from their recent transfer policy. The club has fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons, deliberately avoiding players aged 30 or over. This potential move signals a radical shift, influenced by a recognized need for adjustments in recruitment strategy, particularly to address perceived leadership gaps and concerns over dressing-room culture – qualities Xhaka is widely praised for fostering at Sunderland.
The quest for a new midfielder has been a summer priority for Chelsea, especially amid rising speculation that Enzo Fernandez might be moving to Real Madrid. While Chelsea has not received a formal approach for the Argentina international, the club values him highly. Should Xhaka's move materialize, it would introduce a much-needed experienced presence into a relatively young squad, potentially offering the leadership and stability Chelsea's co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and other club leaders are reportedly seeking.
