Xhaka staying at Sunderland despite Chelsea bid

Granit Xhaka will remain at Sunderland after the club rejected Chelsea’s £8m bid last weekend, Sky Sports News can exclusively confirm. The Switzerland international, who captains the Black Cats, had been open to reuniting with former manager Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge but has now reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland following internal discussions.

Why Xhaka’s decision matters now

Sunderland’s stance was unambiguous: Xhaka was never for sale, despite the Blues’ approach. The midfielder, who joined from Arsenal last summer for £13m, has two years left on his contract and has become a pivotal figure both on and off the pitch. His decision to stay follows talks with the club, where the prospect of leading Sunderland in the Europa League next season and the club’s long-term trajectory were decisive factors.

Xhaka’s connection with the supporters and his role as captain have also weighed heavily in his choice. Sunderland’s hierarchy views him as a key figure for the upcoming campaign, and his presence will be crucial as they aim to build on their first Premier League season back.

Chelsea’s setback amid wider transfer turbulence

Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka adds to a summer of uncertainty for the club, where other key figures are also unsettled. Reports suggest Barcelona are targeting Harry Kane, while Trevoh Chalobah’s agents have flown to Italy to hold talks with Inter Milan and Como over a potential move. The 26-year-old defender, who made 34 Premier League appearances last season, is keen to join Serie A before Xabi Alonso’s arrival in west London.

Inter have been linked with Chalobah for months, with director Piero Ausilio reportedly a long-standing admirer. However, formal offers have yet to materialise, while Como’s reported £23m bid was rejected by Chelsea. Chalobah’s future remains fluid, reflecting the broader instability at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Tuchel’s England saga overshadows tactical debates

The fallout from England’s World Cup campaign has intensified, with John Terry accusing Thomas Tuchel of unfairly targeting Tottenham right-back Djed Spence. Terry, appearing on Piers Morgan’s show, questioned why Tuchel’s criticism seemed reserved for Spence, suggesting the manager would not treat established stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold the same way.

Tuchel’s public berating of Spence—seen in multiple games—has raised eyebrows, particularly as England’s defence struggled at times. Terry stopped short of absolving Spence of criticism but insisted Tuchel’s approach lacked consistency, fueling debates over squad harmony and player treatment.

Xhaka’s decision to stay at Sunderland underscores the club’s ambition, even as Chelsea’s transfer activity highlights the challenges they face in retaining talent. With Alonso’s arrival looming, the Blues’ summer will be defined by both recruitment and internal scrutiny, while Sunderland look to capitalise on stability.