Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has firmly shut down any prospect of captain Granit Xhaka joining Chelsea this summer, insisting the Swiss midfielder remains fully committed to the club after an £8 million bid from Stamford Bridge was swiftly rejected.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso had been keen on a reunion with Xhaka following their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen, but Sunderland's hierarchy have shown no willingness to sanction a sale, with the 33-year-old having played a pivotal role in the club's Europa League qualification last season. Xhaka remains under contract until June 2028, having joined Sunderland last summer.
Speaking after a 4-2 pre-season defeat to Liverpool, Le Bris was unequivocal, declaring the topic closed and explaining that Xhaka loves Sunderland and wants to build the club's future. He also offered a broader hint at Sunderland's transfer approach this summer, indicating the club intends to operate quietly behind the scenes after last year's overhaul, which saw 14 new signings arrive, adding that this window would look considerably different.
Xhaka brings extensive pedigree to Sunderland's setup, having made 297 appearances for Arsenal and won titles with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, while also starring for Switzerland during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer. With his future now settled, Sunderland turn their focus toward building match sharpness ahead of the new Premier League season and their return to European competition, leaving Chelsea to explore alternative midfield targets under Alonso.
