Alex MacQuoid
Chelsea submitted an £8 million offer to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, and it was firmly rejected. The Black Cats have made their position clear: the 33-year-old Swiss midfielder is not available this summer, regardless of the Blues’ interest.
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According to Sky Sports journalists Dharmesh Sheth, Kaveh Solhekol, and Keith Downie, Chelsea lodged the bid during the current transfer window. Sunderland acknowledge that Xhaka wants to reunite with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, but that desire carries no weight in their decision. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports Sunderland’s response was pointed: the club “deemed it to be unacceptable and regard the approach as lacking respect” for both the player and the club. Chelsea are unwilling to exceed the £8 million figure, which falls well short of what Sunderland consider fair value. A summer transfer looks unlikely.
Xhaka’s Impact Since Returning to the Premier League
Granit Xhaka has been one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League since completing a surprise move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. After a productive spell in the Bundesliga, the return to English football has suited him. His leadership was a contributing factor in Sunderland securing UEFA Europa League qualification, a significant achievement for the Wearside club.
Across 36 appearances in his debut season, Xhaka accumulated over 3,000 minutes of game time, contributing one goal and six assists. His consistent performances caught the attention of multiple high-profile clubs, with Chelsea emerging as one of the more serious suitors.
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Why Chelsea Want Xhaka and What Stands in the Way
Chelsea’s pursuit is driven by concern over Enzo Fernandez’s long-term future. The Real Madrid links around the Argentine have intensified, with recent reports indicating he has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish club. Losing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner would leave a leadership gap in central midfield, one that Chelsea want to address proactively.
Fabian Ruiz is among the other names on Chelsea’s shortlist. Xhaka fits the profile too: his passing range, combativeness, and experience at the highest level across both the Premier League and Bundesliga make him a credible answer to that void. His previous tenure as captain at Arsenal underlines the leadership credentials Chelsea are targeting.
The Swiss midfielder is pushing to make the move happen, motivated by the prospect of working under Xabi Alonso again. With Sunderland holding firm and Chelsea refusing to raise their offer, the transfer is at a standstill. Keep up with the latest developments on TipsGG as the window progresses.