Report: Granit Xhaka set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen amid Sunderland transfer drama

The 32-year-old Swiss midfielder, known for his commanding presence and pinpoint passing, has reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen, ready to lead their midfield if a move to the Premier League newcomers falls apart.

Sunderland, eager to bolster their squad for a Premier League survival bid, made an ambitious push for Xhaka, offering a lucrative three-year contract worth 10 million euros annually, a significant jump from his current 7 million euros at Leverkusen.

However, the Black Cats' budget constraints have proven a sticking point. Their opening bid of around 10 million euros for the former Arsenal captain falls well short of Leverkusen's 20 million euro valuation, making a deal increasingly unlikely, Bild reported.

Xhaka, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League but remains fully dedicated to Leverkusen if no agreement is reached. "Granit understands his importance to Leverkusen and, although he wishes to join Sunderland, is fully respectful of Leverkusen," his agent, Jose Noguera, told GIVEMESPORT.

Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has emphasized Xhaka's value to the squad, especially after losing key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool. "Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club," Rolfes said, indicating the club's reluctance to let another leader go. New head coach Erik ten Hag echoed this sentiment, stating, "Granit is a leader… He's too important for us to let him go."

Sunderland have been active in the transfer market, splashing out over 100 million euros on six signings, including wingers Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra, to prepare for their Premier League return.

Yet, Xhaka's experience, 297 Arsenal appearances, two FA Cups, and 137 Switzerland caps—would have been a game-changer for their midfield.

For now, Leverkusen hold firm, and Xhaka's future seems rooted in Germany, where he could even take on the captain's armband if current skipper Lukas Hradecky departs.