Granit Xhaka did not give Chelsea much to work with. Asked about the speculation, the Sunderland captain said: “That's not my job. I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup.” That is where his public line stays, even as the transfer noise keeps building around him.
Xhaka's focus stays on Switzerland
The timing is awkward for anyone trying to drag him into club talk. Xhaka made his 150th cap for Switzerland, and the country beat Algeria 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16. Across four World Cup appearances, he has played 373 minutes and holds a 7.3 average rating, which tells you he is still central to what Switzerland are doing.
He also kept the message simple off the pitch. The quote leaves little room for interpretation, and it fits the way he has handled the saga so far. His value in this tournament has not been about goals or assists, either, with zero of each in the competition.
Sunderland's position in the market
Sunderland have already rejected an opening £8 million bid from Chelsea for Xhaka, and reports now suggest a second offer is being prepared. Matteo Moretto has also reported talk of a new-and-improved bid, while Xabi Alonso has been linked with Chelsea in the background, though the move itself is not confirmed.
That is a real test for Sunderland, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season with 54 points. They are trying to protect a side that pushed into the top half, and losing their captain would be a hit even before the wider squad turnover gets more serious. Óscar Mingueza is also part of the broader market picture, with Sunderland's summer already busy enough.
Xhaka, though, is not changing his stance. He has put the issue back on his representatives and kept the conversation on Switzerland. If Chelsea do return with a second bid, Sunderland will have to answer it without much help from the player at the centre of it.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →