Chelsea Target Sunderland Midfielder Granit Xhaka

Chelsea have reportedly opened negotiations with Sunderland over a move for midfielder Granit Xhaka, though the Championship side maintain the player is not for sale. The 32-year-old Swiss international has been a key figure for the Black Cats since joining in 2023, helping them push for promotion.

Context and Background

Xhaka, who previously spent seven seasons at Arsenal before moving to Bayer Leverkusen and then Sunderland, brings vast Premier League experience. In the current campaign, he has made 24 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists from midfield. His passing accuracy stands at 87%, and he averages 2.1 tackles per game, making him a reliable deep-lying playmaker and defensive screen.

For Chelsea, a central midfield addition has been a priority after injuries to key players. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have started 18 of 23 league games together, but depth behind them is thin. Teenager Lesley Ugochukwu and experienced Conor Gallagher have been used sporadically, but Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wants a more experienced head in the engine room.

Impact and Analysis

Xhaka's arrival at Stamford Bridge would provide a left-footed option in midfield, allowing Pochettino to vary build-up patterns. His ability to switch play and progress the ball under pressure is a trait Chelsea have lacked since Mateo Kovacic's departure last summer. However, Xhaka's age—he turns 33 in September—means any transfer would likely be a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.

  • Tactical fit: Xhaka thrives as a deep-lying playmaker in a double pivot, which could see him rotate with Caicedo or Fernandez. He would offer defensive solidity and crisp distribution, akin to his role under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal in 2021-22.
  • Transfer market context: Sunderland signed Xhaka for free last summer and have him under contract until 2025. A mid-season bid might need to exceed £8-10 million to force a sale, though their strong promotion push makes them reluctant sellers. Comparatively, Chelsea paid £115 million for Caicedo in August 2023, and £106.8 million for Fernandez in January 2023.
  • Fantasy Premier League impact: Xhaka is owned by just 1.2% of FPL managers at present. At a potential price of £5.5-6.0 million, he would offer low-cost midfield returns if he earns regular minutes. Chelsea's upcoming fixtures include home games against Wolves and Burnley, which could boost appeal for differential hunters.

What's Next

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has been clear: Xhaka is integral to their automatic promotion push. The Black Cats sit 6th in the Championship, four points off second place. Losing him in January would be a significant blow. Chelsea, meanwhile, are reportedly exploring other options, including a loan move for Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips. Whether the Blues push ahead with a formal bid or turn elsewhere depends on Sunderland's resolve. The transfer window closes on February 1st at 11pm GMT.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home