Overview
- Xhaka disclosed on the Sports Agents Podcast that he rejected Chelsea’s summer approach and chose to honour the plan he signed up for at Sunderland.
- Goal reported that Chelsea submitted a formal £8m offer that Sunderland rebuffed and then signed veteran players to address the same midfield need.
- The midfielder told reporters he has two years left on his contract and wants to enjoy and help progress Sunderland’s upcoming Europa League campaign.
- Xhaka joined Sunderland in summer 2025, captained the side through a 34-appearance Premier League season that secured Europa League qualification, and says those relationships influenced his decision.
- His decision leaves Sunderland with the veteran leadership they expect for European matches and forces Chelsea to rely on other experienced signings for midfield guidance.