Granit Xhaka ‘to stay’ at Sunderland after Xabi Alonso talks | OneFootball

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Granit Xhaka has told Xabi Alonso he will not join Chelsea this summer, and that he intends to remain at Sunderland.

Xhaka worked under Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable 2023-24 campaign, helping them win the Bundesliga unbeaten as part of a domestic double. That connection underpinned Chelsea’s interest as Alonso readies for his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that Xhaka and his representatives have also informed Chelsea’s hierarchy he will not leave Wearside. Soon after, Sunderland posted a playful message to supporters and highlighted his Switzerland duty on Tuesday against either Colombia or Ghana in the FIFA World Cup last 16.

Xhaka shared the club’s messages, and Sunderland also published footage of him singing with his family at the Stadium of Light, captioned to emphasise his status at the club.

Sunderland rejected a £eight million bid from Chelsea last weekend, a figure viewed as derisory given the captain’s influence. The club have repeatedly insisted he was not for sale after signing him last summer in a package worth around £17.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 33-year-old had explored a reunion with Alonso. His stance is a major boost for Régis Le Bris as Sunderland prepare for European football after their first season back in the Premier League, which delivered Europa League qualification.

Alonso’s hopes of a reunion have faded as the midfielder’s position has been made clear.

Source: Sunderland Echo