Régis Le Bris says Chelsea’s pursuit of Sunderland captain Xhaka is ‘closed’
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has flatly ruled out any prospect of Granit Xhaka joining Chelsea this summer, describing the matter as "closed" after the club rejected an £8m bid for their captain. The interest stemmed from Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, who worked with the 33-year-old midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen and was keen to reunite with him. Le Bris was emphatic that Xhaka, who has been instrumental to Sunderland since their promotion, has no intention of leaving and remains committed to the club's future.
Xhaka played a key role in Sunderland securing Europa League qualification in their first season back in the Premier League, which prompted Chelsea's approach earlier this month. Speaking after a 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat to Liverpool in Nashville, Le Bris praised his captain as "a good captain, great leader" who "loves Sunderland". Beyond confirming Belgium defender Thomas Meunier's free transfer from Lille, Le Bris said this summer's transfer business would be deliberately low-key compared with the 14 signings needed last year to prepare for the Premier League return.
- Chelsea's £8m Xhaka bid rejected; Sunderland call the matter closed
- Xhaka, Sunderland's captain, wants to stay, says Le Bris
- Sunderland plan a quieter transfer window than last year's 14-signing overhaul
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Granit Xhaka is a 33-year-old midfielder who captains Sunderland, an English football club. He became central to Sunderland's success following their promotion to the Premier League, helping them achieve European qualification in their first season at the top level.
Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso previously worked with Xhaka at German club Bayer Leverkusen and wanted to reunite with him. He submitted an £8 million bid to bring Xhaka to Chelsea this summer.
Xhaka is vital to Sunderland's plans as they look to build on their recent achievements. His role as captain and midfielder means he has significant influence over both the team's performance and morale.