Granit Xhaka to stay at Sunderland this summer despite Chelsea interest | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka is set to remain at Sunderland this summer despite Chelsea’s interest, with the captain reaffirming his commitment after talks. The midfielder is under contract at the Stadium of Light to 2028.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea made an £8 million bid in June, which Sunderland rejected. The club considered the offer unacceptable and disrespectful to the 33-year-old and to Sunderland.

New manager Xabi Alonso had driven Chelsea’s pursuit, seeking a reunion after their work together at Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka had been open to the idea, but after discussions he has pledged to stay and is expected to remain a key figure.

Xhaka joined Sunderland from Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth up to £17.5 million including add-ons. He made 34 league appearances as Regis Le Bris’ newly-promoted side finished seventh to secure Europa League football.

Under Alonso in Germany, he was central to Leverkusen’s unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga title, also winning the DFB-Pokal and reaching the Europa League final. At Sunderland he was influential in persuading defender Nordi Mukiele to join from Paris Saint-Germain.

He is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, who reached the last 16 on Thursday by beating Algeria. Barring any late change, he is set to lead Sunderland into Europe next season.

Source: NY Times