Besiktas ‘to target’ Granit Xhaka, but Sunderland stance cools talk | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been linked with a summer move to Besiktas, but the suggestion warrants caution.

Fotomac reports that the Istanbul club are assessing midfield options amid uncertainty over Wilfred Ndidi’s future, with Ibrahim Sangare also mentioned. The report lists Xhaka as a surprise candidate for the number six role and says the 33-year-old would be open to the Super Lig. It adds that he has been sounding out Turkish football and life in Istanbul.

Even so, this is one to treat carefully. Transfer talk in the Turkish press can be ambitious and the league’s finances have tempted big names, but Xhaka’s situation at Sunderland is different.

When Juventus were linked in January, Sunderland swiftly dismissed it. Xhaka only arrived last summer on a long-term deal after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus personally persuaded him. There has even been internal talk of a future coaching path, underlining how highly he is regarded.

The midfielder has been central to Régis Le Bris’ side, making 32 Premier League appearances with one goal and six assists, and seven bookings but no reds. Interest is one thing, a move that makes sense for Sunderland is another, and for now this feels unlikely to progress.

Source: Sunderland Echo