Granit Xhaka: Chelsea ‘to return’ with new bid as Sunderland stand firm | OneFootball

Sunderland have rejected Chelsea’s opening £8m bid for Granit Xhaka and are standing firm over their captain, with another approach anticipated.

Sunderland Echo understands the Black Cats would not welcome offers for Xhaka, who is under contract until 2028 after a £17m move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. He went on to captain a seventh-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification.

BBC Sport reports that signing the 33-year-old would represent a radical shift for Chelsea’s recruitment, with the club fielding the league’s youngest team for the past two seasons and selecting no player aged 30 or over. They also highlight a recognised need for leadership.

Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea are preparing a new approach after their £8m offer was rejected. He adds Sunderland are not under pressure to sell and had been counting on Xhaka, yet Chelsea are expected to return because the player wants to join and reunite with Xabi Alonso.

Football.london described the opening bid as embarrassing and argued a fee above £20m would be reasonable despite his age, citing his impact last season and Sunderland finishing above Chelsea. They also pointed to recent midfield deals, including Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and Joao Palhinha’s loan to Tottenham, as benchmarks.

TalkSPORT claims Sunderland feel Xhaka is trying to orchestrate an exit and that Chelsea will submit a fresh offer, adding the club are unhappy with the situation.

The Athletic reports Chelsea believed £8m was fair as Xhaka turns 34 in September, but Sunderland rejected the proposal immediately and viewed it as lacking respect.

For now, Chelsea want Xhaka, he is said to want the move, and Sunderland are determined not to sell. Whether the Blues test that resolve again could define what happens next.

Source: Sunderland Echo