Granit Xhaka’s move to Chelsea is OFF after the Sunderland captain performed a U-turn and decided to remain at the Stadium of Light. Xhaka, 33, had been interested in reuniting with ex-Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who recently took the Chelsea job, reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Blues.
The midfielder is currently away with Switzerland at the World Cup, helping them reach the round of 16 on Friday as they beat Algeria 2-0. But across the pond, Chelsea made a £8million bid for his services.
Sunderland flatly rejected the offer, insisting that Xhaka wasn’t for sale. And now they won’t have to worry about his departure any longer.
According to Sky Sports, Xhaka has decided to stay at Sunderland and lead them into the Europa League next season. The former Arsenal star’s relationship with the Sunderland fan base is understood to have played a major role in his decision.
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Xhaka arrived on Wearside last summer from Leverkusen, where he’d won the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal under Alonso. The £17.5million signing was immediately appointed club captain by Regis Le Bris and didn’t take long to become a fan favourite.
Anchoring their midfield, Xhaka drove newly-promoted Sunderland to finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for Europe. The 33-year-old has described the city as a ‘second home’.
“It’s a bit like home for me,” Xhaka told Swiss outlet Blick. “The city feels like Basel. Like the St. Johann district where I grew up.
“You can only perform at your best when you feel comfortable in a place. For me, the most important thing is that my family is happy. And we are in Sunderland.”
Has Granit Xhaka made the right decision? Have your say in the comments section.
View 2 ImagesGranit Xhaka and Switzerland are through to the last 16 at the World Cup(Image: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In the same interview prior to the World Cup, he affirmed that a move away wasn’t on his mind. “I’m not even thinking about a transfer,” Xhaka continued.
“I’m really happy to finally have a summer without any speculation about my future. That’s rarely been the case in recent years. This allows me to fully focus on the World Cup.”
Since starting their World Cup campaign by slumping to a shock 1-1 draw with minnows Qatar, Switzerland have won their last three games. Murat Yakin’s side will face the winner of the clash between Colombia and Ghana in the last 16 on Tuesday in Vancouver.
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