Chelsea's Opening Bid for Granit Xhaka Rejected by Sunderland as Blues Aim to Reunite Midfielder with Xabi Alonso
Chelsea have reportedly made a surprise approach to sign Granit Xhaka, with new manager Xabi Alonso seeking to reunite with his former player. However, initial reports of a €30 million bid were disputed, with a subsequent claim suggesting a lower offer of €9.2 million was rejected by Sunderland.
Xhaka, currently away at the World Cup with Switzerland, is under contract with Sunderland until 2028, and the club is unwilling to sell him. Alonso, who takes over as Chelsea manager on July 1, is keen to bring in a new midfielder to control the ball in midfield, and Xhaka's experience could be invaluable.
The two previously worked together at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season. Xhaka joined Sunderland in 2025 after Alonso left for Real Madrid, and has since become a key player for the team. Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, are looking to add Premier League-proven experience to their squad, and Xhaka fits the bill.
The club is poised to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta and is in talks with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, but the expected departure of Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid has heightened the need for a midfield general. To sign Xhaka, Chelsea may need to pay a significant amount, potentially making him the second-most expensive player over 32 to seal a permanent transfer.
Xhaka, currently away at the World Cup with Switzerland, is under contract with Sunderland until 2028, and the club is unwilling to sell him. Alonso, who takes over as Chelsea manager on July 1, is keen to bring in a new midfielder to control the ball in midfield, and Xhaka's experience could be invaluable.
The two previously worked together at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season. Xhaka joined Sunderland in 2025 after Alonso left for Real Madrid, and has since become a key player for the team. Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, are looking to add Premier League-proven experience to their squad, and Xhaka fits the bill.
The club is poised to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta and is in talks with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, but the expected departure of Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid has heightened the need for a midfield general. To sign Xhaka, Chelsea may need to pay a significant amount, potentially making him the second-most expensive player over 32 to seal a permanent transfer.
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