Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has reiterated that Granit Xhaka will remain at the Stadium of Light, declaring the transfer saga with Chelsea to be “closed”.
Xhaka’s commitment to Sunderland
Xhaka had been heavily linked with a move to the Blues earlier in the window for a reunion with Xabi Alonso, but Le Bris confirmed the midfielder’s desire to stay. “No, this topic is closed,” Le Bris told reporters. “He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader.”
The Switzerland international joined Sunderland last summer and was a standout performer, making 34 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal and registering a joint-team-high six assists. He topped the club’s charts for passes (1,807) and successful passes (1,512) as Sunderland finished seventh, securing a Europa League place.
Sunderland’s transfer approach
Sunderland won the Championship play-off final in 2024/25 to earn promotion and defied expectations with their stellar campaign. They collected 54 points, the most by a newly promoted side since Leeds United in 2020-21, and their seventh-place finish was the best by a promoted team since Wolves in 2018/19.
Having brought in 14 new players last summer, Le Bris hinted at a different strategy this time. “It’s going to be quiet,” he added. “Under the radar, right? I won’t give you information. Because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise it’s a mess. And we are looking at probably a different transfer window if you compare with last season. We had to sign 14 new players. It won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.”
New kit launch
Sunderland have also launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s heritage and paying tribute to the 1937 FA Cup victory.
