Full Breakdown
Chelsea Pursues Sunderland Midfielder Granit Xhaka
7/2/2026, 12:42:03 PM
Core Event – Chelsea’s Pursuit of Granit Xhaka
Chelsea have made an £8 million bid for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, which Sunderland rejected as insufficient. Sources say the club is preparing a revised offer, reportedly near £10 million, and Xhaka has already agreed personal terms with the Blues.
Background – Xhaka’s Sunderland Role and Alonso Link
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 for £17.5 million, captained the side to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification, and remains a Swiss World Cup regular. He previously worked under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga.
Transfer Negotiations – Bids, Valuations, Club Stances
Sunderland’s board called the £8 million proposal “insulting” and says the player is not for sale. Media reports place Xhaka’s valuation around £34 million, far above Chelsea’s current offer. Chelsea officials describe themselves as “dead serious” and intend to raise the bid.
Official Statements & Responses
Chelsea confirm Xhaka’s personal terms are settled and a new-and-improved offer will be submitted. Sunderland maintains it is not under pressure to sell and stresses Xhaka’s importance to the squad. Marco Palestra, a recent Chelsea signing, cited Alonso’s influence on recruitment.
Criticism & Opposition – Alan Shearer
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer called Chelsea’s £8 million bid “embarrassing” and “bizarre”, arguing that offering less than half of Sunderland’s purchase price undervalues a player who was among the league’s best last season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on Sunderland’s asking price, with one source citing £34 million and others giving no figure. Chelsea’s prospective £10 million offer is described as “around” that amount. While Xhaka is said to be “pushing hard” to leave, Sunderland insists he is not for sale.
Why It Matters
Securing Xhaka would give Chelsea a midfield player familiar with Alonso’s tactics, addressing a need for experience. Sunderland risk losing a captain central to their recent European qualification, potentially weakening their Europa League campaign. The dispute also highlights valuation tensions among Premier League clubs.
What’s Next
Negotiations are set to continue through early August, with senior executives from both clubs in direct contact. The decision must be reached before the transfer window closes on 1 September, after which Xhaka’s future for the 2026/27 season will be confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes – Key Voices
- “Xhaka wants back into London and is pushing hard to reunite with Xabi Alonso. Chelsea has already submitted an initial proposal and will improve it very soon.” — Fabrizio Romano
- “It’s embarrassing from Chelsea really.” — Alan Shearer
- “It was very important.” — Marco Palestra, Chelsea defender
- “Chelsea are absolutely going to bid again for Xhaka.” — Fabrizio Romano (Instagram)
- “Xhaka is clear on his desire: wants to join Blues and reunite with Xabi.” — Unnamed source cited by Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg
