Sunderland have rejected a bid from Chelsea for captain Granit Xhaka, doubling down on their stance that the 33-year-old midfielder is not for sale. The Standard reports the Black Cats turned down an approach from the Blues, who are eager to reunite Xhaka with former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Xhaka, currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea, according to Sky Germany, despite telling Swiss outlet Blick earlier this month: “I’m really happy to finally have a summer without any speculation about my future. This allows me to fully focus on the World Cup.” The midfielder, who joined Sunderland last summer, played a key role in their seventh-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification, captaining Regis Le Bris’s side after describing Sunderland as “a bit like home”.
“Sunderland reject Chelsea bid for Granit Xhaka as midfielder pushes for reunion with Alonso.”
Chelsea’s interest marks a potential shift in transfer policy. The club have fielded the youngest squad in the Premier League for two seasons and have not selected a player aged 30 or over in that time. But co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledges adjustments are needed, with criticism centred on a perceived lack of leadership – something Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain, helped build at Sunderland.
Alonso, now Chelsea manager, wants to add experience and is keen on a reunion with Xhaka, who won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal under him at Leverkusen in 2024. Midfield is a priority, with growing expectations that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid, though Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120m and have not received a formal approach. Real Madrid have already signed Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea are also set to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, while a number of players – including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo – face uncertain futures. Como have expressed interest in Chalobah.
However, Sunderland are under no financial pressure to sell, having qualified for the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense on the final day of last season. Sources at the club say they have no intention of letting Xhaka go. With Xhaka under contract until 2028, Chelsea’s pursuit is likely to require a significant offer to change Sunderland’s mind – if they can convince the player who said he “wasn’t even thinking about a transfer” to force a move.