Granit Xhaka recommits to Sunderland as Chelsea bid stalls and club stance holds firm | OneFootball

Sunderland have strengthened their grip on Granit Xhaka after talks ended with the midfielder reaffirming his commitment, a twist that surprised Chelsea. The development followed days of anxiety on Wearside over a possible move.

According to Sunderland Echo, Chelsea made an approach and Xhaka was open to it, but the saga has swung back towards Sunderland, with no suggestion the story is definitively closed.

Chelsea still believe a deal could happen, helped by the lure of reuniting with Xabi Alonso. Sunderland maintain their stance will not change.

Sunderland held firm after an opening £eight million bid. For progress, Chelsea would likely need to raise that figure around threefold, or Xhaka would have to push hard, and Sunderland do not expect the latter.

A second offer was anticipated this week yet thought to be only a marginal increase, unlikely to move the needle. Sunderland have long said there is no fixed valuation, though any price would be very high given his on and off-pitch value.

Replacing Xhaka would be costly and complex, with closest profile matches including Jon Gorrotxategi, Nemanja Matic, Vitaly Janelt and Sergi Altimira. None mirror his creative output, and Altimira has just joined Sporting Lisbon in a £15 million plus deal.

Xhaka has avoided transfer requests, strikes or briefings, and is described as all in on leading Sunderland into Europe and deepening his bond with fans. Nothing in football is definitive, but Sunderland’s position looks exceptionally strong for now.

Source: Sunderland Echo