Chelsea Make Stunning Move for Granit Xhaka with One of the Most Expensive Transfer Bids in History
Chelsea have made a surprise move to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, with reports suggesting a €30 million bid has been lodged. The Blues have already agreed personal terms with the ex-Arsenal midfielder, according to Sky Germany. Xhaka is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland and is set to remain in North America for at least another week.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who takes over on July 1, is keen to bring in a midfielder to control the ball. Xhaka, who won the Bundesliga with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, could be an ideal fit. The Swiss veteran played a key role in the team's unbeaten domestic campaign before joining Sunderland in a €15 million deal after Alonso left for Real Madrid.
Xhaka became a fan favorite at Sunderland, helping the team secure a Europa League qualification spot. However, he may not play a part in their European adventure next season if Chelsea's bid is successful. Alonso is looking to add Premier League-proven experience to his squad after a disappointing campaign under his predecessors. The club is poised to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta and is in talks with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
The expected departure of Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid has heightened the need for a midfield general, and Xhaka fits the bill. If the bid is accurate, Xhaka would become the second-most expensive player over 32 to seal a permanent transfer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo's €117 million move to Juventus in 2018. Given Xhaka's current market value of €8 million, Chelsea may need to pay over the odds to secure his signature.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who takes over on July 1, is keen to bring in a midfielder to control the ball. Xhaka, who won the Bundesliga with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, could be an ideal fit. The Swiss veteran played a key role in the team's unbeaten domestic campaign before joining Sunderland in a €15 million deal after Alonso left for Real Madrid.
Xhaka became a fan favorite at Sunderland, helping the team secure a Europa League qualification spot. However, he may not play a part in their European adventure next season if Chelsea's bid is successful. Alonso is looking to add Premier League-proven experience to his squad after a disappointing campaign under his predecessors. The club is poised to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta and is in talks with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
The expected departure of Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid has heightened the need for a midfield general, and Xhaka fits the bill. If the bid is accurate, Xhaka would become the second-most expensive player over 32 to seal a permanent transfer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo's €117 million move to Juventus in 2018. Given Xhaka's current market value of €8 million, Chelsea may need to pay over the odds to secure his signature.
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