Chelsea Bid £8m, Sunderland Said No: The bid was immediately rejected, with Sunderland insisting Xhaka is not for sale — though Chelsea remain hopeful of a deal.
Xabi Alonso Connection: Chelsea's new manager previously won the Bundesliga with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24 and sees him as a crucial on-field lieutenant.
Sunderland Fans Divided: Fan opinions range from demanding £25-30 million to keeping the captain at all costs. Some feel betrayed by the silence from Xhaka's camp during the World Cup.
Age as a Factor: At 34 (turning 35 in September), Xhaka would be Chelsea's oldest signing since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2022 — a stark contrast to BlueCo's youth-focused strategy.
On-Pitch Value: Xhaka recorded six passes that broke three or more opposition lines last season — more than any other central or defensive midfielder in the Premier League.
Why This Matters: This transfer could set a precedent for Chelsea's new direction under Alonso, while Sunderland face losing the leader who drove their historic seventh-place finish and European qualification — their first in 53 years.
Chelsea's £8 million opening offer for Granit Xhaka was deemed "disrespectful" by Sunderland, according to sources close to the club. The Black Cats paid up to £17.5 million to Leverkusen for the midfielder just last summer, and he delivered spectacularly — captaining the newly-promoted side to a seventh-place Premier League finish and sealing a European spot on the final day with a victory over Chelsea themselves.
Xhaka is currently on World Cup duty with Switzerland, which explains the silence from his camp. Manager Xabi Alonso — who coached Xhaka to the historic unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023-24 at Bayer Leverkusen — is the driving force behind Chelsea's interest. He sees Xhaka as the ideal player to "rewire dressing room dynamics," a phrase used by Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes when they originally signed him from Arsenal.
Since the BlueCo takeover, Chelsea has prioritized signing players under 25. Only one signing has been over 25 in four years — Tosin Adarabioyo (26) on a free transfer. Xhaka would represent a seismic shift. His last red card came in January 2022, and his disciplinary record has been exemplary since. At Leverkusen, he was credited with transforming a brittle young team into one famous for late comebacks and resilience — qualities Chelsea have sorely lacked.
Fan reactions collected by BBC Sport and Roker Report reveal deep divisions:
Sell for the right price: Many fans acknowledge that if Xhaka wants to go, Sunderland should negotiate hard. Valuations range from £20 million to £30 million.
Keep the captain: Others argue that Xhaka's leadership and experience are irreplaceable, especially ahead of Sunderland's first European campaign in 53 years.
The loyalty question: Some fans feel betrayed, pointing to Xhaka's emotional speech on the final day of the season where he spoke about the project and his family's happiness on Wearside.
Xhaka's contract runs until June 2028 on an estimated £140,000 per week. This gives Sunderland significant leverage — they are under no pressure to sell. However, Chelsea's pursuit could unsettle the player. If a deal happens, the structure of any contract offer will be critical. The most expensive 33-year-old outfielder signed by a Premier League club was Aubameyang at £12 million to Chelsea in 2022 — suggesting any fee significantly above that carries financial risk.
Why does Xabi Alonso want Granit Xhaka at Chelsea?
Alonso and Xhaka had huge success together at Bayer Leverkusen, where Xhaka was instrumental in their unbeaten Bundesliga title win. Alonso trusts Xhaka's leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to set the tempo in midfield — qualities Chelsea's young squad lacks.
How much is Granit Xhaka worth?
Sunderland fans suggest a range of £20-30 million, while Chelsea offered just £8 million. Sunderland paid up to £17.5 million for him in 2025, and given his performances, his value has likely risen despite his age.
Is Granit Xhaka still suspended or injury-prone?
No. Xhaka's last red card was in January 2022. Since then, he has been remarkably consistent, starting 30+ league games in each of the last four seasons across Arsenal, Leverkusen, and Sunderland.
How would this affect Sunderland's European campaign?
Losing their captain and midfield anchor ahead of a historic European campaign would be a major blow. However, the club has built depth and could reinvest any transfer fee into replacements.
What about other Sunderland players mentioned in the rumors?
Forward Eliezer Mayenda is also linked with a move, reportedly for around £10 million. Some fans worry about losing too many key players in one window.
For Chelsea fans: This signals a possible shift toward a more balanced squad under Alonso — experience mixed with youth. Xhaka could be the calming influence the dressing room has needed.
For Sunderland fans: The club holds all the cards. Xhaka has two years left on his contract, and the club doesn't need to sell. Patience may secure a much better fee — or keep their captain.
For neutral observers: This transfer battle is a fascinating case study in modern football economics — age vs. value, loyalty vs. opportunity, and how quickly a dressing room leader's status can shift when a big club comes calling.
Key action: If you're a Sunderland fan, prepare for a potentially turbulent summer. The next few weeks — and Switzerland's World Cup run — will determine how this saga unfolds.
Should Sunderland accept anything less than £25 million for their captain? Is Chelsea making a smart move or a costly mistake by targeting a 34-year-old? Share your thoughts with us!
👇 Share this article with fellow fans who need to stay ahead of this transfer saga:
Share on Twitter/X{:target="_blank"} | Share on LinkedIn{:target="_blank"} | Share on Reddit{:target="_blank"}
*"Share this with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!"*
*Do you think Chelsea will return with a higher bid, or will Xhaka stay loyal to Sunderland? Let us know in the comments!*
Arsenal have reached a **€40 million (£34m) agreement** with Club Brugge for Greek international winger **Christos Tzolis**, according to re...
Paris Saint-Germain have set their valuation for France international winger Bradley Barcola at north of £116 million, yet with Liverpool pl...
Arsenal are locked in negotiations with Leicester City over a deal to sign 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, one of English football's most e...
Fulham is reportedly in discussions with former Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, signaling a new chapter for the London club following...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer