Just as Xabi Alonso prepares to officially take the reins at Stamford Bridge on July 1, Chelsea’s summer transfer window has hit an immediate—and fiercely contested—roadblock.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea launched a surprise £8 million (€9.2 million) opening bid to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka. However, the Wearside club did not just reject the approach; they reportedly deemed it entirely unacceptable and viewed the low-ball offer as a lack of respect toward both the player and the club.
The logic behind Chelsea’s pursuit is clear. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso is desperate for a proven midfield general to control the tempo of his system in West London, especially with Enzo Fernández heavily linked with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
Alonso knows exactly what Xhaka brings to the table. The pair famously spearheaded Bayer Leverkusen’s historic, unbeaten domestic double in the 2023/24 season. When Alonso departed Germany, Xhaka also moved on, completing a £15 million (€17.5m) switch to newly-promoted Sunderland.
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While Xhaka is currently in North America representing Switzerland at the 2024 World Cup—having just secured a spot in the Round of 32—reports suggest he is incredibly keen on a reunion with Alonso and has already agreed to personal terms with the Blues.
From Sunderland’s perspective, Chelsea’s £8 million proposal is borderline insulting.
Under the guidance of Régis Le Bris, the 33-year-old Swiss veteran was the undisputed heartbeat of the Stadium of Light last season. Handed the captain’s armband, Xhaka marshaled the Black Cats to a stunning seventh-place finish, securing European football on Wearside for the first time in 53 years. Ironically, Sunderland will be playing in the UEFA Europa League next season, while Chelsea finished a disappointing 10th and missed out on Europe entirely.
Having paid nearly double Chelsea’s offering price just a year ago, Sunderland’s hierarchy—led by owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus—has taken a definitive stance. Ornstein notes that the club has informed Chelsea that Xhaka is not for sale at any price and insists that no further proposals will be entertained.
🚨 EXCL: Sunderland reject £8m offer from Chelsea to sign Granit Xhaka. #SAFC told #CFC 33yo not for sale at any price. Stamford Bridge club felt bid fair but PL rivals viewed as unacceptable + insist no further proposals will be entertained @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/NXHnJPkzL5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 28, 2026
