Granit Xhaka has reached a verbal agreement to join Chelsea this summer, paving the way for a reunion with incoming head coach Xabi Alonso. The Switzerland international is now awaiting the completion of negotiations between the West London side and Sunderland, where he has spent the past twelve months.
According to Sky Germany, the 33-year-old midfielder has shaken hands on personal terms with Chelsea. The Premier League club have opened talks with the Black Cats regarding the transfer, though the north-east side are determined to retain their key player.
Reuniting with Alonso
The prospective move would see Xhaka work again under Alonso, who officially assumes his duties at Stamford Bridge on 1 July. The duo previously collaborated at Bayer Leverkusen, enjoying a highly successful spell that culminated in the domestic double during the 2023/24 season.
During that campaign, they secured both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. Xhaka subsequently departed for Sunderland last summer, signing a contract that runs until 2028. He played a central role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League and their qualification for the Europa League.
Valuation and Negotiation Hurdles
Alonso is keen to add experience to his squad and has identified the midfielder as a priority target because of their established working relationship. However, sources indicate that Chelsea are reluctant to pay a substantial fee for a player who turns 34 in September.
Sunderland are expected to seek approximately €15 million to sanction the departure, a figure close to the amount they paid Leverkusen to secure his services. Xhaka’s long-term contract places the Championship club in a strong negotiating position, and they are prepared to fight to keep him. With Alonso’s start date approaching, the parties will likely aim to resolve the outstanding details before the squad returns for pre-season.
Further Chelsea Business
The potential arrival of Xhaka forms part of a busy summer at Stamford Bridge. The club have already sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and agreed a deal to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Como have expressed interest in defender Trevoh Chalobah, valued at £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons, while the Blues are also monitoring West Ham wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.