Granit Xhaka reaffirms commitment to Sunderland after Chelsea bid rejected | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has reiterated his commitment to Sunderland after fresh talks this week, with the club having rejected an £eight million offer from Chelsea last week. Sunderland Echo understands that the 34-year-old has now reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso was keen to reunite with Xhaka, a pivotal figure in his Bayer Leverkusen side that won the double and fell one game short of a season unbeaten in competitive matches.

Xhaka had been open to the move but held further discussions with Sunderland’s hierarchy. The chance to spearhead the club’s first European campaign in over 50 years, along with his bond with supporters, is thought to have weighed heavily in his decision.

The Switzerland international will now focus on his country’s historic World Cup run after Friday morning’s win, their first knockout victory since 1938. He will return for pre-season at the Academy of Light further down the line.

Keeping Xhaka is a major boost to Sunderland’s 2026/27 plans. The club remain determined to retain a player who has had a transformative impact since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo