Granit Xhaka ‘to sign’ for Chelsea? Sunderland stance: captain not for sale | OneFootball

Sunderland face reports that Granit Xhaka could join Chelsea this summer, though the Wearside club are understood to regard their captain as not for sale.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea view Xhaka as a possible surprise midfield signing, with the Swiss keen on reuniting with Xabi Alonso and returning to London. Florian Plettenberg claims a full verbal agreement on personal terms is in place, that Chelsea have contacted Sunderland and that Alonso is pushing the move.

Sunderland are under no pressure to sell, with Xhaka contracted until 2028 after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last year. He is currently away with Switzerland at the World Cup.

The Black Cats can offer Europa League football next season, while Chelsea cannot, and Xhaka was attracted by the long-term project on Wearside. He quickly became central to Régis Le Bris’s side after joining.

A significant bid would force a calculation. A package around €30million, roughly £25.5million, for a player who turns 34 next year would be notable under PSR, SCR and UEFA squad cost rules, and Florent Ghisolfi has made clear he is willing to sell if the deal is right.

Any departure would carry a footballing cost. His leadership and standards have underpinned Sunderland’s rise as they prepare for Premier League and Europa League campaigns. The Alonso connection remains a factor after the Spaniard’s move to Real Madrid, so for now it is one to watch and Sunderland’s stance is understood to be firm.

Source: Sunderland Echo