Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has definitively closed the door on any potential transfer for captain Granit Xhaka, stating that the midfielder is committed to staying with the club. This comes after reports emerged of a surprise £8 million bid from Chelsea, who were reportedly keen to reunite Xhaka with former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. However, Le Bris has asserted that the matter is settled.
Xhaka’s Commitment to Sunderland
Granit Xhaka, who joined Sunderland last summer, has become a pivotal figure for the team. His performances were instrumental in guiding the club to a seventh-place finish in the league, securing European qualification. Despite the allure of a reunion with Xabi Alonso, under whom he achieved significant success, including a Bundesliga title and German Cup with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Xhaka has reportedly reaffirmed his dedication to Sunderland.
Le Bris was direct when addressing the speculation surrounding his captain’s future. “No, this topic is closed,” he stated during his first press conference since the transfer window opened. “He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. A great leader.”
Chelsea’s Interest and Xhaka’s Past
Chelsea’s alleged £8 million bid represented a significant, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to lure the experienced Swiss international away from the Stadium of Light. Xhaka, who spent seven years with Arsenal prior to his move to Sunderland, was rumored to be open to a return to London. However, his current manager’s firm stance, coupled with Xhaka’s own reported commitment, appears to have ended any possibility of a move this transfer window.
While Xabi Alonso, now managing his new club, did not explicitly state whether a renewed effort to sign Xhaka later in the window was off the table, Le Bris’s comments leave little room for doubt. Xhaka is currently under contract with Sunderland until 2028, providing the club with long-term security over their influential midfielder.
Sunderland’s Transfer Strategy
Sunderland’s transfer approach last summer was notably ambitious, involving the acquisition of 14 new players to strengthen the squad following their promotion from the Championship. For the current window, Le Bris has indicated a more measured strategy. “It’s going to be quiet. Under the radar, right? Because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise, it’s a mess,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the difference in approach compared to the previous year. “We had to sign 14 new players. That won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.” To date, the club’s only confirmed signing this summer is full-back Thomas Meunier. Le Bris urged fans to exercise patience as the club works diligently behind the scenes to make strategic additions without disrupting the team’s stability.
Conclusion
With Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris’s unequivocal statement, the speculation surrounding Granit Xhaka’s future has been put to rest. The captain’s commitment to the club, combined with his existing contract, ensures he will remain a key player for Sunderland as they aim to build on their recent success. The club’s more subdued transfer window strategy this year suggests a focus on targeted improvements rather than a wholesale squad overhaul.
