Régis Le Bris has shut the door on Chelsea's pursuit of Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, declaring the matter "closed" after the Premier League side rejected an £8m bid for the 33-year-old. Speaking after Sunderland's 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat to Liverpool in Nashville on Saturday, the head coach was emphatic that the midfielder will not be sold this summer.
“No, this topic is closed,” Le Bris said. “He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader.”
“Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris says Chelsea's pursuit of Granit Xhaka is 'closed' after rejecting an £8m bid.”
Xhaka played a major role in Sunderland qualifying for the Europa League on their return to the Premier League last season, prompting Chelsea — now managed by Xabi Alonso, who worked with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen — to make their move earlier this month. The bid was immediately rejected, and Le Bris's latest comments leave no room for negotiation.
Sunderland have been quiet in the transfer market this summer, with only experienced Belgium defender Thomas Meunier arriving on a free transfer from Lille. Le Bris acknowledges the need for further additions but warns against expecting a repeat of last year's overhaul, when the club signed 14 new players. “It’s going to be quiet. Under the radar, right?” he said. “I won’t give you information. Because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise it’s a mess.”
With Xhaka staying put, Sunderland retain their influential captain as they prepare for a Europa League campaign, while Chelsea must look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield.