Besiktas ‘to target’ Granit Xhaka, but Sunderland exit talk played down | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been linked with a summer switch to Besiktas, though the talk is being met with caution on Wearside.

Fotomac reports that the Istanbul club are assessing midfield options amid uncertainty over Wilfred Ndidi, naming Ibrahim Sangare and the Sunderland captain among targets. The report adds that Xhaka, 33, could be open to the Super Lig in Türkiye and has sought information on life in Istanbul.

Such claims warrant care. Transfer talk from Türkiye can be ambitious, and financial pull has grown, with Galatasaray’s moves for Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane obvious examples.

When Juventus were linked in January, Sunderland swiftly dismissed it. Xhaka arrived last summer on a long-term deal after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus persuaded him, and there has even been internal talk about a future coaching role.

He has become central to Régis Le Bris’ side and the dressing room, so a quick sale would make little sense. For now, this feels more like a surprise line from abroad than an active situation.

Xhaka has been near ever-present this season, making 32 Premier League appearances, with one goal and six assists from deep. His discipline has held up too, with seven yellow cards and no reds.

Source: Sunderland Echo