Chelsea are readying a move for Sunderland star Granit Xhaka, and the midfielder’s stance on playing under Xabi Alonso has now emerged.
Alonso is personally pushing to bring the former Arsenal midfielder to Stamford Bridge, off the back of him scooping up Sunderland’s Player of the Season award last season, after playing a major role in the Black Cats securing Europa League qualification.
Football commentator Harry Symeou was particularly impressed by the maestro’s performances, saying back in January: “Granit Xhaka and Sunderland were excellent tonight. Their work rate is incredible & with the Stadium of Light crowd behind them, they’re quite the force. You can see why they’re unbeaten there in the league so far this season.”
Since then, the Switzerland star has gone on to feature in all three of his side’s World Cup group games, scoring in the 4-1 victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina to help propel them to the round of 32 as Group B winners.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Alonso has been widely reported to be keen on bolstering his squad with experienced players this summer. With that in mind, Xhaka could be a savvy addition to the Spaniard’s squad at 33-years-old, and with 259 Premier League appearances to his name. |
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Finances |
There have been suggestions the Blues could be willing to fork out £26m for the Swiss maestro, which would perhaps raise a few eyebrows, given that he is set to turn 34 in September. Moreover, BlueCo have prioritised signing younger players since taking ownership of the club. |
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Insight |
That said, the experienced midfielder remains a consistent performer, missing just four Premier League games for Sunderland last season, during which time he chipped in with one goal and six assists. |
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Impact |
Regis Le Bris losing his Player of the Season winner would no doubt be a major blow, especially with a Europa League campaign on the horizon next season. The move could also signal Chelsea are set to abandon their youth recruitment policy, which has been much-maligned. |
Ben Jacobs drops Granit Xhaka to Chelsea update
Taking to X, reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed Chelsea are now preparing a move for Xhaka, although they aren’t willing to fork out as high a fee as has been suggested elsewhere.
The 149-cap Switzerland international is also keen to play under Alonso, having worked with the Spaniard at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side lifting the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
However, agreeing a deal could be tricky, as the Black Cats have little interest in sanctioning a sale, and the defensive midfielder remains under contract until 2028.
What Granit Xhaka has said about Xabi Alonso
It is perhaps unsurprising Xhaka is keen to reunite with the former Leverkusen boss, having spoken very highly of him in the past, saying: “He had no experience on the big stage. What he did have was personality. When he walked into the dressing room and started talking, everyone was completely focused.
“Every word he said was true. He wasn’t fake. He was authentic. He only cares about what he sees on the pitch. If you train well, he’ll give you a chance.”
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