Granit Xhaka set to join Chelsea in surprise Premier League move

The football world is abuzz with news of Granit Xhaka poised to make a high-profile switch to Chelsea. Insiders confirm the London club has tabled a €30 million bid for the Swiss international midfielder, sparking widespread speculation about his imminent departure from Sunderland.

According to reports from German journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 33-year-old has already reached a personal agreement with the Blues. The deal, which includes a verbal understanding on personal terms, is expected to be finalized shortly. Chelsea is also reportedly in talks with Sunderland to secure the player’s release, with Xabi Alonso personally overseeing the negotiations. The two managers share a deep connection, having worked together at Bayer Leverkusen from 2023 to 2025.

A product of Basel’s youth academy, Xhaka has carved out an impressive career across top European leagues. He has donned the jerseys of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, Leverkusen, and most recently Sunderland, which acquired him for €15 million a year ago.

In his debut season with the Black Cats, the Swiss maestro featured in 36 competitive matches, contributing one goal and six assists. Sunderland’s seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season underscores the player’s impact on the team’s resurgence. His current contract with the club runs until mid-2028, though his market value, as per Transfermarkt, stands at €8 million—a figure that could rise significantly following this transfer.

Xhaka’s leadership and technical prowess have made him a cornerstone of the Swiss national team. As captain, he has yet to miss a minute of action in the ongoing World Cup, leading his team to the top of Group B. With Switzerland set to face a third-placed team in the next round, the midfielder remains a pivotal figure for both club and country.