Granit Xhaka performs transfer U-turn as £8m Chelsea bid rejected | Football | Sport

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea – just weeks after insisting he was ‘really happy’ and not considering a departure from the club. Xhaka, 33, is understood to be keen on joining the Blues, though Sunderland state that he is not for sale. The Black Cats have rejected a bid worth £8million from Chelsea and said that the player will not be leaving.

The midfielder is currently representing Switzerland at the World Cup, having helped his nation progress to the knockout stages where they face Algeria in the round of 32. Xhaka recently discussed how the absence of transfer speculation would enable him to ‘fully focus’ on the tournament. Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick earlier this month, the former Arsenal star declared: “For me, the most important thing is that my family is happy. And we are in Sunderland.

“I’m not even thinking about a transfer. 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.”

However, Sky Germany now report that Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who are holding discussions with Sunderland over a potential transfer. Xhaka played under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso for two years at Bayer Leverkusen, securing the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in 2024, and is eager for a reunion at Stamford Bridge.

The Athletic report that an opening bid of £8m has been snubbed by Sunderland, who regard it as unacceptable. They intend to refuse to sell their skipper this summer.

This comes despite spending less than a year in Sunderland, having previously described the city as a ‘second home’. Xhaka was also appointed club captain by manager Regis Le Bris just over a fortnight after joining the Black Cats.

“It’s a bit like home for me,” Xhaka added. “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.”

Xhaka proved pivotal under Le Bris last season, with Sunderland finishing seventh in the Premier League. The 33 year old had been widely expected to spearhead the Black Cats’ Europa League campaign next term, yet his future at the club has been thrown into doubt.

Alonso is keen to bring in seasoned campaigners this summer, with midfield reinforcement topping his list of priorities. The former Leverkusen boss has also been handed the title of manager rather than head coach, indicating he will wield considerably more influence than those who came before him.