Granit Xhaka reaffirms commitment to Sunderland after Chelsea transfer saga | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland after talks this week, Sunderland Echo understands.

Sunderland rejected an eight million pound bid from Chelsea last week and have been clear they do not want to sell their captain and talisman.

Chelsea’s new head coach Xabi Alonso had been keen to reunite with the midfielder after their time at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the double and finished one game short of an unbeaten competitive season.

Xhaka was understood to be keen on the switch, but held further discussions with the hierarchy. The prospect of fronting the club’s first European campaign for over 50 years, and his bond with supporters, are understood to be key factors in his decision to stay.

The Switzerland international will now focus on making history with his country after they won their first World Cup knockout match since 1938 on Friday morning, and will return for pre-season training at the Academy of Light further down the line.

His decision is a major boost to plans for the 2026/27 campaign, with Sunderland determined to keep a player who has had a transformative impact since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo