Joe Cole has backed Chelsea's reported move for Granit Xhaka, saying the 33-year-old midfielder would bring leadership and experience to the dressing room. The former Chelsea and England winger told Paddy Power that the club's interest in the Switzerland international is a 'good sign' that they are making 'positive strides' in the transfer market under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea shifts transfer strategy
The Blues appear to have moved away from their purely youth-led transfer policy, with Xhaka emerging as a target. Alonso, who coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, is believed to be driving the bid to sign the former Arsenal captain. The pair won a historic Bundesliga title together after an undefeated 2023/24 campaign.
Xhaka returned to the Premier League to join Sunderland last summer, impressing with his performances for the Black Cats. Reports from Germany indicate Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Xhaka's camp, and the player is keen to secure a move to Stamford Bridge.
Sunderland rejects opening offer
However, Sunderland are reluctant to lose their key midfielder, and Chelsea's opening offer of £8 million was swiftly rejected. It remains to be seen if the Club World Cup holders will return with an improved bid.
'Going after Xhaka is a good sign for Chelsea fans because it shows that the handcuffs of only signing young players and developing them are now off,' Cole said. 'He seems like the right character for the dressing room. He did a great job at Sunderland last year. He was brilliant at Bayer Leverkusen. He was even a leader at Arsenal. I like the fact that they're backing Xabi Alonso. I like everything about it.'
Xhaka's role at Chelsea
Cole doubts Xhaka would be a guaranteed starter at Chelsea, given the presence of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, whom he described as 'two of the best central midfielders in world football.' However, he believes Xhaka would still provide invaluable leadership off the pitch.
'He played nearly every game for Leverkusen and Sunderland. Will he play every game at Chelsea? Will he still be a great leader if he isn't on the pitch every game? I think he will. I certainly hope he will,' Cole added. 'We'll see if he ends up signing, but I like the fact that if he does, it is for sure a Xabi Alonso signing.'
Uncertainty over Fernandez's future
Should Xhaka join, he could link up with Caicedo and Fernandez, but the latter's future at Chelsea is uncertain. The Argentina international has reportedly pushed for a move to Real Madrid, and former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has encouraged Fernandez to join him at the Bernabeu after completing his own transfer this summer.
Cole criticised Cucurella's public comments, saying: 'When you hear players doing stuff like that, I think it's bang out of order. He's an intelligent man. He knows he's poking the bear. There's ways to handle yourself in these situations. If you're happy to sign a seven-year contract, you can't then three years into the contract be openly flirting with another football club, regardless of who it is. It's not for me.'
