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Chelsea Eye Xhaka Amid Sunderland's Firm Stance
Chelsea are exploring a move for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the player described as open to the switch and a potential reunion with incoming manager Xabi Alonso. Sunderland have publicly insisted Xhaka is not for sale, leaving any deal dependent on a major change in stance or an exceptional offer.
Consequence of Sunderland’s Stance
The “not for sale” declaration by Sunderland signals that the club values Xhaka as central to their sporting plan, is protecting leverage ahead of any bid, or is setting a price ceiling without naming it publicly. For Chelsea, this means they would need to move quickly to alternative midfield targets rather than wait deep into the window if Sunderland’s stance remains unchanged.
Chelsea
clubA concrete change to the squad or supporter access would be a formal bid from Chelsea, a public quote from Sunderland’s sporting director/manager, or a player-side statement/agent briefing clarifying whether Xhaka would push for the move. This would provide clarity on the situation and potential next steps.
In the context of prior league standings or matches, Chelsea’s interest in Xhaka is framed as squad-building for leadership under an incoming head coach, while Sunderland’s position is a hard line, meaning the story is currently a leverage/stance battle rather than an advanced negotiation. As of June 28, 2026, the situation remains unresolved.
Granit Xhaka
playerAccording to the Sunderland AFC official club statement, Xhaka is not for sale, and any deal would require a significant change in their stance or an exceptional offer from Chelsea. The situation will continue to unfold, with the next concrete markers being a formal bid, a public quote from Sunderland’s sporting director/manager, or a player-side statement/agent briefing.