Granit Xhaka, the 33-year-old Switzerland international, has been a regular for Sunderland since helping them win promotion to the Premier League, captaining the side to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification last season. Now, reports say Chelsea have entered talks with his representatives, while Sunderland insist he is not for sale. The midfielder, who is still under contract until 2028 and is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, is reportedly open to a reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, now at Chelsea. But no formal offer has been made, and Sunderland have no financial pressure to sell.
The story matters because it represents a potential shift in Chelsea's transfer policy. Over the past two seasons, Chelsea have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League, not selecting any player aged 30 or above. Xhaka, who turns 34 in September, would be a radical departure. Chelsea's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledges adjustments are needed, particularly around a perceived lack of leadership and dressing-room culture. Xhaka, a former Arsenal captain, was praised for helping build that culture at Sunderland.
“Explains the Granit Xhaka to Chelsea transfer saga, background, and implications for UK football fans.”
Xhaka's career has been notable. He played for Arsenal from 2016 to 2023, then moved to Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga in 2024 under Xabi Alonso. He joined Sunderland the following season and helped them return to the Premier League and qualify for Europe. Sunderland qualified for the Europa League on the final day, at Chelsea's expense. The club have no intention of selling their captain, sources say.
For UK readers, the transfer could change the balance of power in the Premier League. Chelsea have long planned to sign a midfielder this summer, with Enzo Fernandez potentially moving to Real Madrid. Real Madrid's new manager Jose Mourinho and president Florentino Perez are reportedly supportive of that move. Chelsea value Fernandez at £120m, but no formal approach has been received. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also set to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, and several players face uncertain futures, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Left-back Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.
Q: Why would Chelsea want a 33-year-old player when they have focused on young signings? Chelsea's leadership believes they need more experience and leadership in the squad. Xhaka captained Sunderland to a top-half finish and received praise for his dressing-room influence, which Chelsea have been criticised for lacking.
Q: Has Xhaka already agreed personal terms with Chelsea? Reports from Germany claim personal terms are in place, but sources inside Chelsea have not confirmed this. Sunderland say no discussions have taken place between the clubs, and Xhaka remains under contract until 2028.
Q: Could Xhaka leave Sunderland this summer? Sunderland have no intention of selling, as they are under no financial pressure and consider Xhaka a key player. However, the player is reportedly open to rejoining Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. A move would likely depend on Sunderland changing their stance or Xhaka forcing a transfer.
Next steps: Chelsea must decide whether to make a formal bid. Sunderland are set to resist, but Xhaka's desire to reunite with Alonso could put pressure on them. The summer transfer window remains open, and other clubs may also show interest. Chelsea are also expected to complete the signing of Marco Palestra and resolve the futures of several current players.