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Sunderland have rejected Chelsea's £8m offer for Granit Xhaka. The midfielder is not for sale, the club has stated.
What happened?
Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso drove the interest in Xhaka, having worked with him at Bayer Leverkusen.
Sunderland deem the offer unacceptable, lacking respect for Xhaka and the club. Xhaka helped Sunderland secure a 7th place finish and European football, with a final-day win against Chelsea.
Why it matters for Sunderland
Xhaka remains contracted until June 2028, and Sunderland have no intention of sanctioning his departure. The club has told Chelsea that no further offers will be entertained.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| League standing | 7th in Premier League, 54 pts, 14W-12D-12L from 38 games |
| Recent form | 4W-1D-0L (WWWWD, most recent first) |
| Last result | Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea (2026-05-24) |
What comes next?
Chelsea may need to reconsider their transfer strategy, having been rebuffed by Sunderland. Xhaka's impact on and off the pitch at Sunderland is clear, and the club will not let him go easily.
Sunderland are on a 4-game winning run, and their recent form has been impressive. The club will look to build on this success, with Xhaka playing a key role in their plans.
