TransferThe GuardianUnverified source· 26 Jul 2026
Le Bris shuts door on Chelsea's Xhaka pursuit
Sunderland boss declares captain Granit Xhaka is staying put despite Chelsea bid.
G. Xhaka
player
Player
Granit Xhaka
Position
Midfielder
From
Sunderland
To
Chelsea (pursuit closed)
Fee
£8m bid rejected
What happened. Régis Le Bris has declared Chelsea's pursuit of Granit Xhaka closed, insisting the captain wants to stay at Sunderland.
- Chelsea made an £8m bid for Xhaka this month.
- New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wanted reunion with Xhaka.
- Xhaka helped Sunderland qualify for Europa League last season.
“Granit wants to stay in Sunderland”
— Régis Le Bris
Sunderland will keep their influential captain as they prepare for Europa League campaign.
In this story
R. Le Bris
Sunderland
ChelseaMore to read
Mirror Football
Chelsea sent strong transfer warning by Premier League boss after failed bid
Daily Mail Football
Hands off Granit Xhaka! Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris sends definitive message to Chelsea and insists 'the topic is closed' after Xabi Alonso's side made shock swoop for former Bayer Leverkusen star
BBC Sport
Xhaka set to stay at Sunderland despite Chelsea interest
Sky Sports
Xhaka staying at Sunderland despite Chelsea bid
