Overview
- Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris declared the matter closed after Saturday’s 4-2 friendly with Liverpool, saying Xhaka has been clear he wants to stay and is a key leader.
- Multiple outlets report Chelsea submitted an £8 million opening offer that Sunderland rebuffed as unacceptable and were told the captain is not for sale.
- Xhaka has publicly committed his future to the club and is reported to have a contract running until summer 2028, which reduces Sunderland’s need to sell him this window.
- Le Bris said the club will pursue a quieter, 'under the radar' transfer approach this summer and Chelsea have shifted attention to other midfield targets.
- Xhaka was instrumental in Sunderland’s surprise seventh-place finish last season, and his past working relationship with Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen explains Chelsea’s interest.