Chelsea Agree Personal Terms With Granit Xhaka As Sunderland Talks Progress
Sports Updated: 27 June 2026 20:22 EAT
Photo Courtesy: Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka
Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka as the club intensifies efforts to secure his signature from Sunderland during the summer transfer window.
The Blues have now opened negotiations with Sunderland over a potential transfer, although the two clubs are yet to agree on a fee. Reports indicate Chelsea are prepared to submit an offer worth around €30 million, but Sunderland are expected to drive a hard bargain for their captain, who remains under contract until 2028.
The move has been strongly influenced by Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, who worked closely with Xhaka during their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso is understood to view the veteran midfielder as an ideal addition to provide leadership, experience and tactical discipline to his young squad.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 and enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign, playing a pivotal role in the club's impressive Premier League season and helping them qualify for European competition. His performances have reinforced his reputation as one of the league's most reliable midfielders.
The 33-year-old previously spent seven seasons at Arsenal, making nearly 300 appearances and winning the FA Cup twice before moving to Germany in 2023. At Leverkusen, he was instrumental in helping Alonso's side win the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal.
Despite agreeing personal terms with the player, Chelsea must still reach an agreement with Sunderland before the transfer can be completed. Until a fee is agreed and the necessary paperwork is finalized, the deal remains under negotiation.
Tags: Chelsea Chelsea Fc Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice English Premier League Epl Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya Summer Transfer Window Sunderland Transfer News Transfer Rumours Transfer Window
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD