Sunderland Reject Chelsea’s Offer For Granit Xhaka

Sunderland have turned down an £8 million bid from Chelsea for experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka and insist the Switzerland international is not for sale.

The Black Cats are determined to keep hold of one of their most influential players after he played a central role in their remarkable campaign, which ended with Europa League qualification following last summer’s £17 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen.

Granit Xhaka, 33, is under contract until 2028 and Sunderland have made it clear there is no financial need to cash in on key members of Regis Le Bris’ squad. Club sources insist there is no intention of allowing the former Arsenal captain to leave.

Chelsea’s offer came despite Sunderland’s strong stance. Although Xhaka is understood to be open to a reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, personal terms have not been agreed.

The veteran midfielder, currently away with Switzerland at the World Cup, missed only four league matches last season and earned widespread praise for his leadership as Sunderland secured a seventh-place finish to qualify for Europe.

A successful move would represent a major shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy. The London club have consistently relied on one of the youngest squads in the Premier League and has not fielded a player aged 30 or above over the past two seasons.

Senior figures at Chelsea, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, are believed to accept that changes are needed in the club’s transfer policy. Concerns over leadership and dressing-room culture have fuelled interest in Xhaka, whose influence at Sunderland has been widely recognised.

Chelsea are also keen to strengthen in midfield as uncertainty continues to surround Enzo Fernandez. The Argentina international is attracting interest from Real Madrid, although Chelsea have not received a formal approach and value him at around £120 million.

Reports from Spain claim there is backing within the Spanish club for a move, with president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho both said to support the idea.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to complete 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 unclear ahead of the new season.