A 33-year-old midfielder with a year left on his contract is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Chelsea and Sunderland, threatening to upend the Premier League's transfer market. Chelsea have entered talks with the representatives of Granit Xhaka, the experienced Switzerland international who helped Sunderland qualify for the Europa League last season by finishing seventh. Sunderland, however, insist Xhaka is not for sale, and have said they have no intention of letting him go. Xhaka is open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, having won the Bundesliga together at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, but personal terms have not yet been agreed.
Xhaka's potential move to Chelsea marks a radical shift in the club's recent transfer policy. Over the past two seasons, Chelsea have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League and have not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. Members of the club's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge that adjustments are needed to improve recruitment. Criticism has centred on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns over dressing-room culture – something Xhaka, as former Arsenal captain, received widespread praise for helping to build at newly-promoted Sunderland last season.
“Explains the Granit Xhaka transfer saga between Chelsea and Sunderland, including background and implications for UK readers.”
The background to this saga is rooted in Xhaka's career and Chelsea's evolving strategy. Xhaka, 33, is under contract at Sunderland until 2028, and played 34 times last season under manager Regis Le Bris, captaining the side to a seventh-place finish that secured European football. He is currently with Switzerland at the World Cup. For Chelsea, a move for a midfielder has long been part of their summer plans, and comes amid growing expectations that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid. Chelsea value Fernandez at around £120m, but have not received a formal approach. Meanwhile, the club are also set to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, and several players – including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo – face uncertain futures.
For UK readers, this transfer matters because it could reshape the balance of power in the Premier League. If Chelsea succeed, they would gain a proven leader and organiser in midfield, addressing a weakness that many pundits have highlighted. Sunderland, who qualified for Europe at Chelsea's expense on the final day of last season, would lose a key figure just as they prepare for a European campaign. The deal would also signal a new direction for Chelsea, blending youth with experience after two years of relying almost exclusively on younger players.
Q: Why is Chelsea trying to sign a 33-year-old player? A: Chelsea's leadership believes the squad lacks leadership and a strong dressing-room culture. Xhaka, who captained Sunderland to a seventh-place finish, is seen as a player who can provide that experience and organisation in midfield.
Q: Will Sunderland sell Granit Xhaka? A: Sunderland have stated they have no intention of selling Xhaka, and are under no financial pressure to do so. They have rejected reports that he is for sale and are determined to keep him for their Europa League campaign.
Q: How does Xabi Alonso factor into this transfer? A: Xhaka is known to be open to a reunion with Xabi Alonso, who was his manager at Bayer Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga in 2024. Alonso is now at Chelsea, and that relationship is a key factor in Xhaka's willingness to consider the move.
What happens next remains uncertain. Personal terms have not been agreed, and Sunderland's stance is firm. Chelsea's pursuit may continue, depending on other moves – such as Enzo Fernandez's potential departure to Real Madrid. The transfer window is open, and the World Cup is ongoing, so developments could accelerate once the tournament ends. For now, the saga is defined by clashing interests: a player open to a new challenge, a selling club determined to keep him, and a buying club rethinking its strategy.