Chelsea's bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka rebuffed

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s captain, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea and expressed a desire to re‑join former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. The 33‑year‑old, who is contracted with Sunderland until 2028, helped the Black Cats finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League.

Chelsea have made an offer – reports range from £8 million to around €30 million – but Sunderland have flatly refused, stating Xhaka is not for sale and calling the bid insufficient. The club sees the player as vital to its midfield and has no financial pressure to sell. The transfer remains unfinalised, with negotiations over a fee still pending despite Xhaka’s willingness to move and Alonso’s interest in adding an experienced organiser to his squad.