Chelsea are preparing to sign Sunderland star Granit Xhaka, with the midfielder’s stance on playing under Xabi Alonso revealed.
Alonso is personally pushing to bring the former Arsenal midfielder to Stamford Bridge after he helped the Black Cats qualify for the Europa League and won Sunderland’s Player of the Year award last season.
Football commentator Harry Simeu was particularly impressed with the Maestro’s performance, saying in January: “Granit Xhaka and Sunderland were fantastic tonight. Their work rate was incredible and with the Stadium of Light crowd in the background, they have quite a bit of power. You can see why they are unbeaten in the league so far this season.”
Since then, the Swiss star has played in all three World Cup group games, scoring in the 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping the team advance to the last 32 as Group B winners.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
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reliability | Alonso is widely reported to be keen to strengthen his squad with experienced players this summer. With that in mind, Xhaka, 33 years old and with 259 appearances under his belt, could be a smart addition to the Spaniard’s squad. A Premier League appearance that bears his name. |
finances | There are also rumors that the Blues are prepared to pay £26m for the Swiss maestro. It will probably raise a few eyebrows considering he is set to turn 34 in September. In addition, Bruco Since becoming the club’s owner, he has prioritized signing young players. |
insight | However, the experienced midfielder has still been a consistent performer, missing just four Premier League games. He played for Sunderland last season, scoring one goal and providing six assists. |
impact | It will definitely be a big blow for Regis Le Bris to lose the Player of the Season award winner. Next season’s Europa League campaign is just around the corner. This move could also send a signal to Chelsea. The government plans to abandon its youth recruitment policy, which has received much criticism. |
Ben Jacobs releases Granit Xhaka to Chelsea
X reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that Chelsea are preparing to make a move for Xhaka, but will not pay the hefty fee that has been suggested elsewhere.
The 149-cap Swiss international is also keen to play under Alonso, having previously worked with the Spaniard at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side clinching the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
However, the Black Cats have little interest in sanctioning a sale and with the defensive midfielder’s contract running until 2028, it could be difficult to agree a deal.
What Granit Xhaka said about Xabi Alonso
It is perhaps no surprise that Xhaka is keen to reunite with his former Leverkusen manager, having spoken highly of him in the past, saying: “He had no experience on the big stage. What he had was personality. When he walked into the dressing room and started talking, everyone was completely focused.
“Everything he said was true. He wasn’t fake. He was real. He only cares about what he sees on the pitch. If you practice well, he will give you a chance.”
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