Granit Xhaka remains at Sunderland, rejects Chelsea move

Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka will stay with Premier League club AFC Sunderland, despite reported interest from Chelsea. Sunderland declined an £8 million bid and the captain reaffirmed his commitment, according to multiple sources including The Athletic and Sky Sports.

Xhaka, 33, signed a contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2028 and was appointed captain shortly after joining the promoted side. While Chelsea hopes to reunite him with former coach Xabi Alonso, Sunderland, now qualified for the Europa Conference League, consider him central to their European ambitions.

The midfielder is currently at the 2026 World Cup with Switzerland, where the team reached the quarter‑finals and will face Colombia in Vancouver.