Régis Le Bris has declared Chelsea’s pursuit of Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is firmly closed, ending any speculation about a summer move. The Sunderland head coach made the statement after a pre-season friendly, confirming the 33-year-old will remain at the club despite an £8m bid from the Blues.
Why Chelsea’s Bid for Xhaka Failed
Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, submitted an £8m offer for Xhaka earlier this month. Alonso, who previously coached the midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen, was keen to reunite with him in London. However, Sunderland immediately rejected the bid, and Le Bris has now shut the door entirely.
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“No, this topic is closed,” Le Bris said after Sunderland’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in Nashville. “He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader.”
Xhaka’s Role in Sunderland’s Success
Granit Xhaka played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s Europa League qualification last season. His leadership and experience were instrumental in the club’s return to European football. The Swiss international’s commitment has been unwavering, and the club has no intention of selling their captain.
Comparison: Sunderland’s Transfer Windows
| Season | New Signings | Key Departures |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 (Premier League return) | 14 | Several |
| 2024-25 (Europa League) | 1 so far (Thomas Meunier) | None |
As the table shows, Sunderland’s transfer activity has been dramatically different this summer. While last year required a massive rebuild, Le Bris expects a much quieter window this time around.
Sunderland’s Quiet Transfer Strategy
So far, Sunderland have signed only veteran Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a free transfer from Lille. Le Bris hinted that more moves could happen, but he prefers to operate “under the radar.”
“It’s going to be quiet. Under the radar, right? I won’t give you information,” Le Bris said. “We are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise it’s a mess. We are looking at probably a different transfer window if you compare with last season. We had to sign 14 new players. It won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.”
Key Takeaways
- Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka is definitively closed – No further negotiations are expected.
- Xhaka remains Sunderland’s captain and leader for the upcoming Europa League campaign.
- Sunderland will have a quiet transfer window with minimal, targeted additions.
- Thomas Meunier is the only signing so far, but more could come under the radar.
FAQ
Did Chelsea make a formal bid for Granit Xhaka?
Yes, Chelsea submitted an £8m bid for Xhaka earlier this month, but Sunderland rejected it immediately. Régis Le Bris has since declared the matter closed.
Why does Sunderland want to keep Xhaka?
Xhaka is Sunderland’s captain and a vital leader on and off the pitch. He helped the club qualify for the Europa League, and the club values his experience for the upcoming season.
Will Sunderland make more signings this summer?
Head coach Régis Le Bris indicated that the club will add a few more players, but the transfer window will be much quieter compared to last year’s rebuild. The focus is on working behind the scenes.
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