Granit Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is poised to leave Sunderland after just one season, according to Sky Germany. The 33-year-old Swiss international midfielder is understood to have reached a verbal agreement with the London club ahead of a potential summer transfer. Chelsea are now in negotiations with Sunderland regarding a fee for the player.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a reported €15 million, signing a long-term contract until 2028. His departure after a single season with the Black Cats comes as a surprise to some, but the opportunity to join Chelsea and potentially reunite with incoming head coach Xabi Alonso appears to be a significant draw. He previously enjoyed a highly successful two-year spell with Leverkusen, playing a key role in their Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph during the 2023/24 season under Alonso’s management.
Alonso officially begins his role as Chelsea head coach on July 1, and the prospect of working with a familiar and trusted player in Xhaka is thought to be a major factor in the club’s pursuit. Xhaka made 41 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions in the 2023/24 season, establishing himself as a regular in the Black Cats’ midfield. However, his desire to challenge for major honours and potentially play Champions League football may have influenced his decision to seek a move.
Sunderland are expected to seek a similar fee to the €15 million they paid Bayer Leverkusen for Xhaka last year. The transfer could provide Sunderland with funds to reinvest in their squad, while Chelsea would add an experienced and combative midfielder to their ranks. The arrival of Xhaka could provide tactical flexibility for Alonso and strengthen Chelsea’s midfield options as they look to compete at the top of the Premier League.
