Granit Xhaka reaffirms Sunderland commitment after Chelsea bid and talks | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland after talks this week, Sunderland Echo understands.

Sunderland rejected a £eight million bid from Chelsea last week, and have been clear they do not want to sell their captain and talisman. Chelsea’s new head coach Xabi Alonso was keen to reunite with the midfielder after their double-winning season at Bayer Leverkusen, when they came within one game of going unbeaten in all competitions.

Xhaka was understood to be open to the move, but the 34-year-old held further talks with the hierarchy this week and is now understood to have recommitted to the club and to leading the team into the next phase of the project. The chance to front a first European campaign in over 50 years, along with his bond with the supporters, is understood to have been key.

The Switzerland international will now focus on making history with his country after they won their first World Cup knockout match since 1938 on Friday morning. He is due back for pre-season at the Academy of Light further down the line.

His decision is a major boost to Sunderland’s plans for 2026/27, with the club intent on retaining a player who has had a transformative impact since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo