Granit Xhaka bid rejected, what Chelsea must do and the stakes for Sunderland | OneFootball

Sunderland have turned down an initial £8 million offer from Chelsea for Granit Xhaka, a move the midfielder is keen on. According to Sunderland Echo, the saga appears far from over.

Sunderland do not want to sell, yet it no longer feels like a story that will fade quickly. If Chelsea meet the valuation and a trusted replacement is lined up, Xhaka probably leaves.

He is contracted until 2028, leaving two years on his deal. That gives Sunderland leverage and removes any pressure to accept terms that do not suit them. If the player pushes to go and the fee reaches the right level, there is a strong chance this progresses.

An £8 million bid was deemed laughable, with £15 million viewed as a baseline. The conversation becomes serious around £20-25 million, given Xhaka’s status as captain, a leading Premier League midfielder last season and the disruption a sale would cause. If Chelsea want Sunderland’s talisman, they should expect to pay a premium.

An early loss would dent squad and supporter confidence, though it is not seen as doomsday. Sunderland back their recruitment and expect figures such as Brian Brobbey and Enzo Le Fée to step up. Even so, starting without him would set them back, despite hopes that a successful season remains possible.

Source: Sunderland Echo