Chelsea Pursue Sunderland's Xhaka Reunion Under Alonso's Management

Chelsea have made a formal bid to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer, with the 33-year-old having verbally agreed to join the club at the request of new manager Xabi Alonso. The transfer offer, reported at €30 million (approximately £26 million), reflects Chelsea's strategy to strengthen their squad with experienced players who can provide leadership in the Premier League.

Alonso, who officially takes charge at Chelsea from July 1, 2026, previously worked with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga title and German Cup in 2023/24 before reaching the Europa League final. Xhaka, who joined Sunderland from Leverkusen for £13 million plus £4 million in add-ons last summer, had an outstanding first season at the Stadium of Light, making 34 league appearances and providing six assists while helping Sunderland secure seventh-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification.

Sunderland have indicated reluctance to sell their captain, who remains under contract until 2028. However, Chelsea have generated significant financial flexibility through the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8 million, providing substantial funds for summer rebuilding. The club has already begun negotiations to acquire Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43 million and has enquired about Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, as Alonso prioritises adding experienced defenders to his squad.

Chelsea's interest in Xhaka represents part of Alonso's broader transfer strategy to add proven Premier League performers with leadership qualities to a squad whose average age stands at 23.8 years. Xhaka's character and experience are seen as valuable to help remedy the club's discipline issues, having incurred more red cards than any other Premier League side last season. His arrival would complement several pre-arranged youth signings and provide the midfield experience Alonso seeks.