Manchester United have been publicly urged by club legend Peter Schmeichel to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer. The Red Devils are planning to strengthen their central midfield options during the upcoming transfer window, with a preference for players already proven in the Premier League following the positive impact of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at Old Trafford.
Casemiro will depart Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, creating a significant void in midfield. The club are also hoping to move on Manuel Ugarte after two seasons that have failed to meet expectations. While Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is currently considered their primary target, Manchester United are hesitant to meet his reported €120 million price tag and are exploring alternative options.
Several midfielders have been linked with a move to the club, including Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Mateus Fernandes, and Joao Gomes. A move for Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United appears unlikely due to the financial demands involved, and a deal for Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also considered difficult to achieve.
Schmeichel, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast alongside fellow Manchester United alumni Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, advocated for a move for the 33-year-old Xhaka. He argued that while the club is looking to build around young talents like Kobbie Mainoo, they lack experienced leadership, a quality Xhaka demonstrably possesses. Schmeichel highlighted Xhaka’s pivotal role in Sunderland’s recent success, praising his leadership and consistency.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of €15 million last summer and was immediately appointed captain. He has made 33 appearances for Regis Le Bris’ side, scoring one goal and providing six assists, and has two years remaining on his current contract. According to reports, Xhaka’s current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is between €13.4 million and €16.3 million. A move for the experienced Swiss international could provide immediate stability and leadership as Manchester United navigate a period of transition.
