Besiktas ‘to consider’ Granit Xhaka, Sunderland exit seen as unlikely | OneFootball

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been linked with a summer move to Besiktas, though an exit currently looks unlikely given his importance.

Fotomac reports that the Istanbul club are assessing midfield options amid uncertainty over Wilfred Ndidi, with Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare also named. The report lists Xhaka, says he would be interested in the Super Lig and has sought information on Turkish football and life in Istanbul as Besiktas look for a new number six.

That should be treated with caution. Transfer claims from Türkiye are often ambitious, and enthusiasm is sometimes overstated. The league is financially attractive, helped by tax rules, with Galatasaray’s deals for Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane cited, but Xhaka’s situation on Wearside is different.

When Juventus were linked in January, Sunderland flatly dismissed it. Xhaka only arrived last summer on a long-term contract after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus personally persuaded him to join. There has even been internal talk of a potential coaching pathway in time.

He has become a cornerstone for Régis Le Bris’ side on the pitch and in the dressing room. Sunderland would be reluctant to lose such a talisman after one season.

Plenty of clubs can admire the player, yet there is a clear gap between interest and a move that makes sense for Sunderland. For now, this reads more like a surprise line from abroad than a live threat to their plans. You can never say never in football, but at present a transfer appears unlikely.

Xhaka has made 32 Premier League appearances this season, contributing one goal and six assists from deep. His discipline has been controlled, with seven yellow cards and no reds.

Source: Sunderland Echo