Stefan Schwarz says keeping Granit Xhaka will be tough as Chelsea bid is rejected | OneFootball

Sunderland are battling to keep captain and talisman Granit Xhaka amid a strong Chelsea push, and Stefan Schwarz believes it will be difficult to keep him unless Chelsea increase their offer.

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland have rejected an opening £8 million bid and remain adamant they do not want to sell the 34-year-old. Preparations for the 2026/27 campaign have been jolted by Chelsea’s interest, with Xhaka widely reported to be keen to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso.

Schwarz said it is always difficult when a player wants to leave and argued that Xhaka’s influence on and off the pitch makes him effectively priceless, so any second proposal must reflect that.

He highlighted the calmness, leadership, experience and passion Xhaka showed during a superb first season back in the Premier League. He added that European football, an adoring fanbase and a squad who want him to stay are strong reasons to remain.

Even so, Schwarz believes Sunderland could recruit well if Xhaka departs, pointing to last summer’s excellent work. He cautioned that finding a similar profile who settles quickly will be hard and that any departure would leave a big void.

Source: Sunderland Echo