Chelsea are in the process of signing Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, which will see them reunite with former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso after just a year.
Granit Xhaka recently spoke about his future (Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea, weeks after saying he was “really happy” not to leave. Xhaka, 33, is thought to be pushing to join the Blues, but Sunderland do not consider him to be for sale.
The midfielder is currently participating in the World Cup with Switzerland, who will advance to the knockout stages and face Algeria in the last 32. Xhaka recently spoke about how the absence of speculation about his future allows him to “fully concentrate” on the competition.
Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick earlier this month, the former Arsenal star declared: “The most important thing for me is that my family is happy and we are here at Sunderland.”
“I’m not thinking about transfers. I’m really happy to finally be able to spend the summer without any speculation about my future, which has rarely happened in recent years. It allows me to focus completely on the World Cup.”
Get the latest 2026 World Cup news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter
However, Sky Germany has now reported that Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is in contract negotiations with Sunderland. Xhaka spent two years at Bayer Leverkusen working with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal in 2024 and is keen to reunite at Stamford Bridge.
His stay at Sunderland, which he previously described as his “second home”, comes after less than a year. Xhaka was also named club captain by manager Regis Le Bris just over two weeks after signing for the Black Cats.
“This is a bit of a home for me,” Xhaka added. “This city is like Basel. It’s like the St. Johann area where I grew up. You can only perform at your best when you feel comfortable in that place.”
Should Granit Xhaka leave Sunderland? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Granit Xhaka captains Sunderland to Europe (Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Xhaka flourished under manager Le Blis last season as Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League table. The 33-year-old was expected to lead the Black Cats in the Europa League next term, but his future has been plunged into uncertainty.
Alonso is looking to sign experienced players this summer, with midfield a priority. The former Leverkusen manager has also been given the title of manager rather than head coach, suggesting he has more authority than his predecessor.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
