Xhaka set to remain at Sunderland after Chelsea approach is turned away

Granit Xhaka is set to remain at Sunderland after the club rejected an £8m offer from Chelsea. The Sunderland captain has reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats despite interest from London.

The report says Xhaka had been willing to consider the possibility of working again with Xabi Alonso, his former Bayer Leverkusen manager and now Chelsea boss. Sunderland, however, viewed the midfielder as unavailable for transfer and held discussions that helped settle his position.

Xhaka’s role in Sunderland’s next phase appears central to the club’s thinking. The chance to captain the side in the Europa League, alongside Sunderland’s wider ambitions, was described as a significant part of his decision to continue on Wearside.

For Sunderland supporters, the outcome preserves a senior leader both in the dressing room and on the pitch. With two years left on his contract, Xhaka’s continued presence gives the club stability before a campaign that will bring domestic and European demands.