Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationCaughtOffsideUnverified source· 28 Jul 2026
Sunderland shut door on Chelsea's Xhaka pursuit
Sunderland's manager confirms Granit Xhaka will stay, ending Chelsea's hopes of a reunion with Xabi Alonso.
G. Xhaka
player
Player
Granit Xhaka
Position
Midfielder
Current club
Sunderland
Linked club
Chelsea
What happened. Sunderland have ruled out selling captain Granit Xhaka, despite Chelsea's interest under new coach Xabi Alonso.
- Xhaka is Sunderland's club captain.
- Alonso previously coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen.
- Sunderland's manager stated Xhaka wants to stay.
“He wants to stay”
— Sunderland manager
Chelsea must look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements this summer.
Read the full story at CaughtOffside →
ChelseaMore to read
Football.London
Chelsea given final Granit Xhaka transfer ultimatum as Xabi Alonso plots £64m back-up plan
Football.London
Alex Scott to Chelsea transfer latest as Xabi Alonso searches for Granit Xhaka alternative
Mirror Football
Chelsea sent strong transfer warning by Premier League boss after failed bid
The Guardian
Régis Le Bris says Chelsea’s pursuit of Sunderland captain Xhaka is ‘closed’
