Sunderland Rejects Chelsea’s £8m Bid for Granit Xhaka
Sunderland have turned down an £8 million bid from Chelsea for veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka, insisting the Switzerland international is not for sale.
The Black Cats are determined to keep one of their most influential players after his pivotal role in their impressive campaign that secured Europa League qualification following his £17 million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Xhaka, aged 33, is under contract until 2028, and Sunderland have stressed there is no financial pressure to sell key members of Regis Le Bris’ squad. Club sources say there is no intention to let the former Arsenal captain depart.
Despite Sunderland’s firm stance, Chelsea submitted the offer. While Xhaka is reportedly open to reuniting with his former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, personal terms have not been settled.
The veteran midfielder, currently on Switzerland duty at the World Cup, missed only four league matches last season and received widespread praise for his leadership as Sunderland finished seventh to earn a European spot.
A successful transfer would mark a significant change in Chelsea’s recruitment approach. The London club have fielded one of the youngest squads in the Premier League and have not used a player aged 30 or older in the last two seasons.
Senior figures at Chelsea, including co‑controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, are believed to acknowledge the need for a shift in transfer policy. Concerns about leadership and dressing‑room culture have driven interest in Xhaka, whose influence at Sunderland has been widely recognised.
Chelsea are also looking to bolster midfield amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernández. The Argentine international continues to attract interest from Real Madrid, although Chelsea have not received a formal bid and value him at around £120 million.
Reports from Spain indicate backing within the Spanish club for a move, with president Florentino Pérez and new manager José Mourinho both said to support the idea.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to finalize the signing of Atalanta right‑back Marco Palestra, while the futures of Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo remain uncertain ahead of the new campaign.
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