Chelsea have expressed interest in signing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, aiming to reunite him with head coach Xabi Alonso. Xhaka, who turns 34 in September, was a key player under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, helping the club win the Bundesliga title in 2024.
Xhaka’s Impact at Sunderland
Xhaka joined Sunderland last summer and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, followed by a successful campaign that secured Europa League qualification. He has two years remaining on his contract. Sunderland are determined not to sell and are expected to resist any offers.
Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Alonso is keen to add experience to Chelsea’s squad and has identified Xhaka as a target. However, Chelsea are unlikely to pay a high fee for a player of his age. The club has already sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, who may also pursue Enzo Fernández. Chelsea have agreed a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra and are fielding interest in Trevoh Chalobah from Como. Chalobah, part of England's World Cup squad, is valued at £30m plus £5m in add-ons. Chelsea are also monitoring West Ham wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.
