Granit Xhaka explains Chelsea rejection to stick with Sunderland project | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has addressed Chelsea’s failed summer move, saying he chose to stay at Sunderland because the club’s project outweighed a return to London.

Sunderland rebuffed a formal £8m bid for the 33-year-old midfielder. “When I signed the contract here, there was a plan behind the scenes, and the plan was to stick to this project, to believe in this project, and to work for this project,” he said, speaking on the Sports Agents Podcast.

After talks collapsed, Chelsea switched targets, bringing in Jordan Henderson, 36, and Danny Welbeck, 35, to add experience.

Xhaka has taken the armband and made 34 Premier League appearances since arriving in 2025, helping the Black Cats qualify for the Europa League and forging a strong bond with supporters and staff.

“When I spoke with the owner of Sunderland, I told him from the beginning, I don't have the feeling that this project is done yet, and this is my motivation.” He has two years left on his deal and is focused on progression at home and in Europe.

Sunderland start their Europa League campaign at home to AZ Alkmaar, with Lech Poznan, Dinamo Zagreb and Anderlecht also on the slate in the league phase. “I want to enjoy the European football with this football club with the fans, and hopefully we can get more after this season.” Before that, they face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”