Sunderland has reportedly presented Granit Xhaka with a tempting three-year contract offer amidst Bayer Leverkusen’s eagerness to receive a clear indication of the midfielder’s future plans. The former Arsenal captain, Xhaka, at 32 years old, is a sought-after player this summer, with numerous clubs expressing interest in acquiring his services. The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath shared an update on social media, revealing that Sunderland’s proposal for Xhaka includes a three-year deal, indicating the club’s strong interest in securing his signature. However, Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes, has stressed the importance of a swift decision on Xhaka’s future, hinting at a desire to avoid a protracted transfer saga throughout the window.
Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen last summer from Arsenal for around £21.4 million proved to be a successful one, playing a pivotal role in their unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign. Despite his age and potentially limited resale value, Xhaka’s leadership qualities, experience, and technical proficiency make him an attractive prospect for Sunderland, who are aiming to enhance their midfield with top-tier talent. Nevertheless, Leverkusen’s pursuit of other midfield options, combined with Xhaka’s substantial wages and Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, could pave the way for a potential transfer, depending on Xhaka’s perceptions of Wearside as a suitable next step in his career.
While Xhaka still has three years remaining on his contract at Bayer Leverkusen and continues to hold a significant role at the club, the current circumstances have opened the door for a potential move to Sunderland. The conflicting reports surrounding Xhaka’s future were further fueled by Belgian journalist Sasha Tavolieri, indicating that Xhaka’s preference may be to remain in Germany, with personal reasons possibly playing a significant role in his decision-making process. Sunderland’s ambitious pursuit of Xhaka faces uncertainty amidst reports suggesting a potential shift in the player’s stance towards staying at Leverkusen this summer.
In the midst of their pursuit of Xhaka, Sunderland have already secured a £17.5 million deal for Sassuolo’s Armand Laurienté and continue to explore additional transfer possibilities. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports emerging over the weekend, indicating uncertainty regarding Xhaka’s future destination. Sunderland will monitor the developments closely to ascertain whether a deal for the Swiss midfielder will come to fruition as they seek to strengthen their squad for the upcoming campaign.
