Full Breakdown
Chelsea Target Granit Xhaka: Transfer Overview
6/28/2026, 12:41:40 PM
Transfer Overview
Chelsea are in talks to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka ahead of the 2026-27 season. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso, due to start on 1 July, has asked owners BlueCo to pursue the 33-year-old Swiss international. Sources say personal terms are agreed, but a club-to-club fee is unsettled.
Xhaka’s Sunderland Season and Contract
Xhaka arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 on a contract to 2028. He made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring once and providing six assists, and captained Sunderland to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification. Sunderland say the captain is not for sale and no formal offer has been received. Before joining Sunderland, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal and two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokál.
Alonso’s Connection and Recruitment Shift
Alonso and Xhaka were teammates at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokál. Chelsea’s recent recruitment has favoured young talent; after a 10th-place finish, co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali has signalled openness to experienced players to address leadership gaps.
Financial Proposals and Sunderland’s Stance
Reports differ on Chelsea’s offer. Luca Cerchione cited a €30 million (£26 million) bid, while other outlets mention £26 million. Sunderland paid £13 million (or €20 million per another source) for Xhaka and say they will demand a “hard bargain.” No club-to-club contact is confirmed.
Official Statements & Responses
Chelsea’s internal notes acknowledge a need for midfield experience, especially if Enzo Fernandez leaves for Real Madrid. Sunderland’s management reiterated Xhaka remains a key player and that there is no financial pressure to sell. Alonso is said to prioritise players who fit his system over age. Fernandez is valued at around £120 million, and his potential departure heightens the need for a midfield replacement.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note the inconsistency of signing a player who will turn 34, a departure from the club’s youth-centric policy. Some argue that spending on a veteran could limit resources for younger prospects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sunderland’s purchase price: £13 million (or €20 million).
- Chelsea’s offer: £26 million (or €30 million).
- Club-to-club contact: sources say none, others suggest talks.
- No formal bid confirmed by either club.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we need and what we don’t really have apart from Harry and Bruno in that team is proper leadership.” — Butt, Chelsea official
- “We’re desperate for more leadership.” — Butt, Chelsea official
- “He is not a coach that is looking out for the names or status of players, in terms of who is older or younger, or who has played more games,” — Xabi Alonso
- “Cerchione said on X: “Chelsea on Granit Xhaka: express request from Xabi Alonso, his former coach at Leverkusen.” — Luca Cerchione
- “‘Full verbal agreement’ for Granit Xhaka Plettenberg said on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE DETAIL | Granit Xhaka and Chelsea have already reached a full verbal agreement over a transfer.” — Florian Plettenberg
What’s Next
Chelsea are expected to finalise their summer transfers in early July, with the Xhaka deal dependent on Sunderland’s fee acceptance. The result will shape the midfield and could signal a broader recruitment shift.
