Ghisolfi’s sales stance as Granit Xhaka ‘to sign’ for Chelsea claims surface | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi’s summer comments on major sales have fresh relevance amid reports claiming Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka could sign for Chelsea, with suggestions personal terms are already in place.

Sunderland Echo understands the club would not welcome offers at this stage and view Xhaka as not for sale. The midfielder is under contract until 2028 after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last year.

Even so, Ghisolfi has said he is never afraid to sell if a deal suits the club, arguing squads sometimes need refreshing and he is confident replacements can be found. He added that competing in the Premier League makes experience a priority this summer.

He acknowledged last summer’s arrivals lacked top-flight experience, and said Sunderland now aim to keep that experience and retain every starter. The intention is to keep the group together, though he accepted that if a sale is required, the club would move to replace.

Those remarks were not about Xhaka specifically, yet they frame the current noise. Xhaka is captain and a dressing-room leader, central to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification.

Sunderland also have European football next season, while Chelsea do not. Any significant bid would be weighed against PSR, SCR and UEFA squad cost rules, with Xhaka turning 34 next year.

Ghisolfi pointed to Lens as a guide, selling Loic Bade for €20million after one year having signed him for free, then replacing him with Kevin Danso for €5million. Danso is now at Tottenham and discussed as a £25million player, though Ghisolfi noted such outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Source: Sunderland Echo