Chelsea has reached a personal agreement with Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka regarding a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with official club-to-club negotiations already underway.
Xhaka Set for Xabi Alonso Reunion at Stamford Bridge
According to British media reports, the pursuit of the 33-year-old Switzerland international comes as a direct and urgent request from Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, Xabi Alonso, who is determined to reinforce the Blues’ midfield.
Alonso shares a profound professional relationship with Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder was the absolute cornerstone of Alonso’s historic project at Bayer Leverkusen, which culminated in the club winning its first-ever domestic double in German football history.
Chelsea Set to Break Club Policy to Seal €20M Midfielder Deal
This potential transfer comes as a major surprise given Chelsea’s strict recent recruitment policy under the current ownership, which heavily prioritizes signing young talents. In fact, over the last four years, the West London club has rarely targeted players over the age of 30.
Xhaka, whose current market value stands at €8 million, joined Sunderland just last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million. Consequently, the final transfer fee is expected to range between €15 million and €20 million. Barring any late complications, the deal is expected to be finalized within the coming hours, marking Alonso’s first official signing of his Chelsea tenure.
