Granit Xhaka is on the verge of a high-profile switch to Chelsea in a development that has taken the football world by surprise. Reports emerging over the weekend confirmed that the Swiss international has reached a personal understanding with the London-based club, with both parties now finalizing the technical details of a potential transfer.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been in stellar form for Sunderland, has been the subject of intense interest from multiple Premier League sides. According to insiders, Chelsea’s sporting director has been in direct contact with Sunderland’s management to expedite the deal, with manager Xabi Alonso—who previously coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen—playing a pivotal role in the negotiations.
Xhaka’s journey to the Premier League began at FC Bâle, where he honed his skills before moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and later Bayer Leverkusen. His current stint with Sunderland has been particularly impressive, with the club securing a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season. Over 36 competitive appearances, he contributed one goal and six assists, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable and creative force in midfield.
Despite being under contract with Sunderland until mid-2028, Xhaka’s market value remains modest at €8 million, according to transfer valuation platforms. His leadership qualities have also been recognized, as he currently captains the Swiss national team during the ongoing World Cup campaign. Notably, he has featured in every minute of the group stage, with Switzerland topping Group B and set to face a third-placed opponent in the next round.
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea appears poised to secure Xhaka’s services, potentially adding depth and experience to their midfield ahead of the season’s climax.