Florent Ghisolfi’s sales stance revisited as Granit Xhaka linked with Chelsea | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi’s summer comments on major departures have fresh relevance as Granit Xhaka is linked with Chelsea.

Reports suggest the Sunderland captain could be a surprise target and that personal terms are in place. Sunderland Echo understands the club would not welcome bids and view Xhaka as not for sale, with the midfielder under contract until 2028.

Ghisolfi has said he wants to keep the squad together, yet he would not be afraid to approve a big sale if a proposal clearly suited the club. He added that Premier League experience now shapes recruitment priorities more than it did last year.

Xhaka is more than a regular in Régis Le Bris’ group. The captain’s influence underpinned Sunderland’s impressive Premier League return, driving a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification.

That explains the firm stance. Sunderland are not encouraging offers and can offer European football next season, which Chelsea cannot. Even so, Ghisolfi’s wider approach matters, with PSR, SCR and UEFA squad cost rules to consider and the player turning 34 next year.

He has pointed to experience at Lens, where Loic Bade was signed for free then sold for €20million after one season, with Kevin Danso arriving for €5million and later moving to Tottenham amid talk of a £25million value.

Source: Sunderland Echo