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

Granit Xhaka has informed Xabi Alonso he will not be joining Chelsea this summer and plans to remain at Sunderland, Di Marzio reports.

The midfielder worked under Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga title season, part of a domestic double. That connection underpinned Chelsea’s push as Alonso shapes his first campaign at Stamford Bridge.

The report states Xhaka and his representatives have told Chelsea he will not leave Wearside. On Friday night Sunderland posted a playful message to supporters, which Xhaka shared, also noting he would be back in action on Tuesday as Switzerland face either Colombia or Ghana in the World Cup last 16.

Sunderland later shared footage of Xhaka singing along to Can’t Help Falling In Love With You on the final day at the Stadium of Light with his family, which he reposted.

The 33-year-old had considered a reunion with Alonso, but Sunderland held firm and rejected an £8million bid from Chelsea last weekend. Having only signed him last summer from Leverkusen in a package worth around £17.5million, the club maintained their captain was not for sale.

Xhaka’s stance is a major boost for Régis Le Bris as Sunderland prepare for European football after their first season back in the Premier League. He was pivotal in securing Europa League qualification and is now expected to remain on Wearside.

Source: Sunderland Echo