Le Bris: Sunderland Hold Firm on Xhaka with €9m Bid

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has firmly shut down reports of a potential transfer for captain Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old midfielder remains key after helping secure a Europa League qualification spot last season. Chelsea have placed an £8m bid to rejoin him with former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, but Le Bris insists Xhaka’s future lies at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking after Tuesday’s training session, Le Bris addressed the speculation head-on: ‘Granit is happy here. His focus is on leading Sunderland forward. There are no negotiations, and there will be none.’

Chelsea’s pursuit reflects their need for experienced midfield depth under Alonso, who worked closely with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen. Despite the financial offer, Sunderland reject any move. Le Bris highlighted Xhaka’s off-field value: ‘We value what he brings—not just on the pitch but off it too.’

Following Sunday’s decisive win, teammates praised Xhaka’s calmness in critical moments, including transitions and defensive setup during matches. One noted how he rallied morale amid scrutiny—especially relevant given his age relative to younger squad rivals.

Xhaka’s versatility suits multiple formations, a trait that appealed to Alonso at Leverkusen. With fixtures against top-half sides ahead, retaining consistency demands keeping core players intact. Sunderland will not sell without alignment to club objectives, even if Chelsea escalates interest.