Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1333 EAT on Monday 29 June 2026

Chelsea have been dealt a setback in their summer transfer plans after Sunderland rejected an opening bid for Granit Xhaka.

The Blues are understood to have tabled an offer to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso, but Sunderland have dismissed the proposal as “unacceptable” and maintain that the player is not for sale.

According to The Athletic, Sunderland have firmly rejected an official offer from Chelsea for Granit Xhaka, made on Saturday.
Chelsea reportedly submitted a £8 million bid for the midfielder as they sought to secure his signature, but Sunderland have made it clear that Xhaka is “not for sale at any valuation”.

The Championship club described the offer as “unacceptable” and viewed it as a lack of respect towards both the 33-year-old Switzerland international and the Wearside side.

Chelsea, however, believe their valuation is fair. Sunderland have categorically stated they will not entertain further offers and expect the Blues to respect Xhaka’s contract, which runs until 2028.

Chelsea are pursuing Granit Xhaka at the request of manager Xabi Alonso, who is keen to reunite with the midfielder at Stamford Bridge. The pair previously spent two successful seasons together at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in the 2023–24 campaign.

The move marks a notable shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy under their current ownership. The club have largely focused on signing younger players in recent windows, making a move for the 33-year-old Xhaka an exception to that approach.

Sunderland remain determined to keep Granit Xhaka following an impactful debut season at the club. The midfielder joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a fee that could rise to £17.5m, was quickly appointed captain, and went on to guide Sunderland to a remarkable seventh-place finish.

That achievement secured European football for the club for the first time in 53 years, with Sunderland sealing qualification on the final day through a victory over Chelsea—an outcome that saw the London side finish 10th.

Xhaka brings extensive Premier League experience from his seven years at Arsenal. Chelsea believe that experience could add leadership to their dressing room without a lengthy adaptation period, but Sunderland are adamant they will not sanction a sale under any circumstances.

Chelsea must now decide whether to abandon their pursuit of Xhaka or continue testing Sunderland’s resolve despite their firm stance. Xabi Alonso is expected to assess alternative midfield targets as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, Xhaka remains focused on international duty, with Switzerland set to face Algeria in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

-Sky News

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