Stefan Schwarz says Granit Xhaka exit would be tough as Chelsea move for Sunderland talisman | OneFootball

Sunderland are battling to keep Granit Xhaka as Chelsea step up a move, with Stefan Schwarz warning it will be hard to keep the captain and that any fee must rise.

According to Sunderland Echo, preparations for 2026/27 have been unsettled by Chelsea's interest, with the 34-year-old widely reported to want to reunite with former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso. Sunderland do not want to sell and have rejected an opening £8 million bid.

Schwarz regards Xhaka as priceless on and off the pitch, so any second proposal must reflect that. He notes Sunderland can offer European football, an adoring fanbase and a squad keen for him to stay.

He accepts it is difficult to retain a player once they want to move. Xhaka’s calmness, leadership, experience and passion were central to Sunderland’s fine first season back in the Premier League.

Schwarz thinks recruitment could cover the loss if he departs, but warns it would leave a big void. Replicating last summer’s excellent work and finding another Xhaka-type signing would be challenging, so he urges smart decisions if a move happens.

Source: Sunderland Echo