Granit Xhaka pursuit continues as Sunderland reject Chelsea’s opening offer | OneFootball

Chelsea’s pursuit of Granit Xhaka remains live, with Sunderland’s stance firm after an opening offer was turned down.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats rejected a bid of about £8 million and consider the 33-year-old not for sale, with his contract running to 2028.

Sunderland paid £17 million to sign Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. He captained them to seventh in the Premier League and secured Europa League qualification.

The initial figure sits well below Sunderland’s valuation given his influence and long deal. Talk of a fresh bid persists, though there is no indication of a change in Sunderland’s position.

Sunderland have dug in and made clear they do not want to sell their captain. Whether Chelsea test that resolve again will define the next phase of this saga.

Source: Sunderland Echo