The 33-year-old was the subject of an offer from Chelsea George Wood/Getty ImagesJuly 3, 2026 Updated 12:08 pm EDTGranit Xhaka is set to stay at Sunderland this summer despite attracting interest from Chelsea.The Athletic reported in June that Chelsea had made an £8million (€9.2m, $10.5m) offer for the Switzerland international but it was turned down.Sunderland considered the bid unacceptable and regarded the approach as lacking respect for both the 33-year-old midfielder the club.Xhaka is under contract to 2028 at the Stadium of Light and had been keen on the idea of the move. However, following discussions, he has pledged his commitment to Sunderland and is expected to remain at the Stadium of Light, where he is considered a key figure.
New manager Xabi Alonso had driven Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka and was keen to be reunited with him after their time working together at Bayer Leverkusen.The former Arsenal player joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth up to £17.5m including add-ons, and made 34 league appearances as Regis Le Bris’ newly-promoted side qualified for the Europa League with a seventh-place finish.Under Alonso in Germany, the midfielder was a crucial part of Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title in 2023-24, becoming the first side to complete the feat unbeaten, alongside winning the DFB-Pokal and reaching the Europa League final.He is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, with his country progressing to the last 16 on Thursday with victory over Algeria.Jul 3, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
