Stefan Schwarz has insisted that Granit Xhaka will be playing for Sunderland when the 2026/27 season begins, despite Chelsea's reported interest. The former Sunderland and Arsenal midfielder believes the Black Cats captain is essential to their upcoming Europa League campaign.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been pushing to reunite with Xhaka, whom he coached at Bayer Leverkusen during their unbeaten 2023/24 season. However, Sunderland rejected an £8 million bid for the 33-year-old at the weekend, a fee described as 'insulting' by sources close to the club.
Xhaka's impact at Sunderland
Xhaka joined Sunderland last summer for £17.5 million and was instrumental in their seventh-place Premier League finish, securing European football for only the second time in the club's history. Sunderland value the midfielder at £34 million, according to reports, indicating they have no intention of selling.
Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Live via William Hill, Schwarz said: 'A lot of the success of Sunderland, a part of it was Xhaka - with his experience, knowledge. He brought the belief, he brought the calmness when they played, and he brought the purpose as well.'
Schwarz's verdict on Xhaka's future
Schwarz, who played for both Sunderland and Arsenal, added: 'I think Sunderland has a very interesting season coming up with European football and Europa League. The demand of the players will be much more, more games, less rest. So we need all the good players, all the experienced players who have been there, done it. And I believe an important piece of Sunderland's good season next year is, if possible, to have him in the team.'
Schwarz concluded: 'It would be fantastic news for all Sunderland. I count on him to be there at the start of the season, be the professional. I think he can't be in a better place than Sunderland, really.'
