Granit Xhaka ‘to join’ Chelsea? Sunderland stance on captain emerges | OneFootball

Sunderland are facing fresh reports that captain Granit Xhaka could move to Chelsea this summer after an outstanding first season on Wearside following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

According to Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are pushing for a surprise deal. They report Xhaka wants to reunite with Xabi Alonso and return to London, that a full verbal agreement on personal terms is in place, and that contact has been made with Sunderland, with talks ongoing and a fee similar to what Sunderland paid anticipated. Xhaka left Leverkusen after Alonso moved to Real Madrid, a relationship cited in the reports.

Sunderland would not welcome offers at this stage and the midfielder is considered not for sale. He is under contract until 2028 and is currently away with Switzerland at the World Cup.

The 33-year-old rapidly became central to Régis Le Bris’s side, captaining a remarkable Premier League campaign through his influence and leadership. The Black Cats will compete in the Europa League next season, while Chelsea do not have European football.

There would, nonetheless, be a financial calculation if a huge bid arrived. A package around €30 million, roughly £25.5 million, for a player turning 34 next year would be significant under PSR, SCR and UEFA squad cost rules, and Florent Ghisolfi has said he would sell if the deal suits the club. Even so, losing their captain would carry a major footballing cost.

Source: Sunderland Echo