Xabi Alonso breaks silence on failed Chelsea move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has addressed Chelsea’s collapsed move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, but he refused to discuss the player. According to Sunderland Echo, the Chelsea head coach was asked about Xhaka after the pursuit ended.

Alonso said: "Granit Xhaka? No comment on players who are not here with us."

Chelsea explored a deal for the Switzerland international, and Xhaka was understood to have been attracted by the chance to work with Alonso again following their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen.

Sunderland maintained throughout that their captain was not for sale and rejected attempts to negotiate a transfer. They only signed Xhaka from Leverkusen last summer in a package worth up to around £17 million and view him as central to Régis Le Bris’ plans before the club’s return to European competition.

Xhaka was initially open to discussions, then reaffirmed his commitment after talks with the club. The prospect of captaining Sunderland in Europe, allied to the longer-term ambitions in place, proved persuasive.

With Alonso declining to elaborate, the matter is considered closed as Xhaka prepares to lead Le Bris’ side into the 2026/27 campaign.

Source: Sunderland Echo