Story perspectives

Sunderland Rejects Chelsea’s £8 million Xhaka Bid

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sunderland rejected Chelsea's £8 million bid for midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka, signed for £17.5 million, has two years left on his contract and helped Sunderland finish seventh and reach the Europa League.
Chelsea, whose manager Xabi Alonso wants to reunite with Xhaka, plans to raise its offer to £10 million after the initial bid was turned down.
Alan Shearer called the £8 million proposal embarrassing because it is less than half of Sunderland's price.

History

Historical Context

After Roman Abramovich bought a controlling 50 % of Chelsea for £30 million in July 2003, he cleared the club’s £80 million debt and launched a £100 million spending spree that enabled a marquee Argentine midfielder signing that season. The move mirrors Sunderland’s long-standing reluctance to accept low offers, underscoring the persistent clash between ambition and financial caution.

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Story summary

Sunderland rejected Chelsea's £8 million bid for midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka, signed for £17.5 million, has two years left on his contract and helped Sunderland finish seventh and reach the Europa League.
Chelsea, whose manager Xabi Alonso wants to reunite with Xhaka, plans to raise its offer to £10 million after the initial bid was turned down.
Alan Shearer called the £8 million proposal embarrassing because it is less than half of Sunderland's price.

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