Sunderland has been actively pursuing Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka this summer, offering the talented midfielder a lucrative three-year contract. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently reported that Sunderland has initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen regarding Xhaka’s potential transfer. Neom SC also threw their hat in the ring for the Swiss international but withdrew their interest after balking at paying more than €8m for his services.
Bild has now reported that Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland side has made an official offer to sign the 32-year-old Xhaka. While the transfer fee proposed by the Black Cats remains undisclosed, it is believed to be less than Bayer Leverkusen’s €20m valuation of the player. Xhaka, whose current contract runs until 2028, will celebrate his 33rd birthday in September, indicating Sunderland may factor his age into their negotiation strategy with Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the transfer rumors swirling around him, Xhaka remains focused and composed during Bayer Leverkusen’s preseason tour in Brazil. The club’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, has made it clear that Xhaka is a pivotal figure for the team and they are eager to retain his services. Rolfes emphasized that any potential transfer would need to be a win-win situation for all parties involved, as they have ambitious goals for the coming seasons.
While interest from other clubs continues to mount, Bayer Leverkusen’s primary objective is to keep Xhaka and build around him for the future. Rolfes iterated that they value Xhaka’s contributions immensely and that any potential transfer would only happen with the player’s agreement and if it aligns with the club’s long-term vision. The situation surrounding Xhaka’s future remains uncertain, but Bayer Leverkusen remains hopeful that the talented midfielder will stay with them as they strive for success in the seasons ahead.
