Former Switzerland coach voices frustration over Granit Xhaka Chelsea links | OneFootball

A former Switzerland player and coach has voiced frustration at growing links between Chelsea and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.

“What bothers me is that these things are happening during the World Cup. Granit is very focused and can block that out, but we should be talking about the upcoming opponent, Algeria, not Chelsea. I’m not interested in what Granit does after the World Cup right now. Chelsea aren’t just any club. And if I were Xabi Alonso and had the opportunity to sign Granit Xhaka, I would do it.” He was speaking to Blick’s Forza podcast.

Xhaka joined Sunderland after a further season in Germany, and his first year on Wearside delivered a seventh place finish and Europa League qualification.

He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and enjoyed a stellar first season as Xabi Alonso’s side won the Bundesliga unbeaten. He scored the only goal in the German Cup final against FC Kaiserslautern, although defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final denied a treble.

His form at Sunderland has attracted interest from Chelsea, with new boss Alonso keen to reunite with him at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland remain adamant their captain is not for sale at any price.

Speculation has grown in recent days as Xhaka and his international team-mates prepare for a World Cup round of 32 meeting with Algeria.

Source: Sunderland Echo