'Fake news', £30m talk and resolve, inside Granit Xhaka’s failed Chelsea move as Sunderland stand firm | OneFootball

Sunderland kept Granit Xhaka after Chelsea’s move for their captain collapsed, the club holding its line through a turbulent six days.

Sunderland Echo reports supporters swung from concern to relief while Xhaka, with Switzerland at the World Cup, reached the last 16.

Chelsea wanted Xhaka and Xabi Alonso wanted him too, the lure of a reunion after Bayer Leverkusen was obvious. The food chain beckoned, yet Sunderland refused to yield.

Sunderland made clear he was not for sale at £8m, £10m or £12.5m. Chelsea-side sources suggested a conversation only at around £30m, a level the club would not approach.

Xhaka had only arrived last summer in a package worth about £17.5m. Under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Régis Le Bris, Sunderland chose conviction over compromise.

The pursuit reflects on Chelsea’s transfer operation and how effectively they are prepared to support Alonso. Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka was a prerequisite for Alonso taking the job.

For all their status, Chelsea did not get their way and were surprised by how quickly it turned. Some at Stamford Bridge initially labelled reports he would stay as "fake news" before reality bit.

After talks with Sunderland, Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment and intends to remain on Wearside. Leading the club in Europe, the project’s trajectory and his bond with supporters were key factors.

Attention now turns to the season ahead. Scars may linger, but the bigger story is the resolve shown, they protected the dressing room and kept their captain.

Source: Sunderland Echo