27 July 2026
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has announced that Chelsea’s pursuit of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has "ended," confirming that his club has no intention of selling their captain this summer.
Xhaka played a pivotal role in helping Sunderland qualify for the Europa League upon their return to the Premier League last season, prompting Chelsea to submit an £8 million bid for the 33-year-old veteran this month.
Chelsea’s new Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso, is keen to reunite with the midfielder, whom he previously coached at Bayer Leverkusen.
Sunderland immediately rejected Chelsea’s offer, and their manager firmly ruled out reconsidering the deal before the current summer transfer window closes.
Speaking after Sunderland’s 4–2 friendly defeat to Liverpool in Nashville, USA, Le Bris said, "No, the matter is closed. He has been very clear about his future. He loves Sunderland and wants to stay here. He wants to build his future here. He is a good leader—a great leader."
Despite the demands of competing in European competitions next season, Sunderland has remained quiet in the transfer market; so far, their only signing has been veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier on a free transfer from French club Lille.
