Jun 27, 2026

Chelsea Launch €30M Bid for Granit Xhaka in Alonso Reunion Plot

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in sport

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London, June 27, 2026 — In a transfer move that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Chelsea Football Club has submitted an opening €30 million bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, signaling new manager Xabi Alonso’s desire to reunite with one of his most trusted former players from their successful days at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Swiss international, now 33, joined Sunderland from Leverkusen last summer and quickly established himself as a leader on Wearside, captaining the side and bringing Premier League experience to a newly promoted outfit.

Yet, just one season into that chapter, the midfielder appears poised for a high-profile return to a top club, drawn by the opportunity to link up again with Alonso, who has taken the Chelsea reins this summer.

Xhaka and Alonso share a deep professional bond forged during the Swiss star’s time at the BayArena.

Xhaka was one of Alonso’s early key signings from Arsenal, becoming a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign.

Insiders describe Xhaka as embodying the same leadership, tactical intelligence, and composure that defined Alonso’s own playing career.

Reports indicate Xhaka has already reached a full verbal agreement with Chelsea on personal terms, with the player eager to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are now in direct contact with Sunderland to advance negotiations. Sources close to the situation, including German journalist Florian Plettenberg and others, highlight Alonso’s personal push for the signing.

This pursuit marks one of the more surprising storylines of the early summer window. A €30 million fee for a 33-year-old would rank among the highest transfer sums ever paid for a player over 32, underscoring Chelsea’s willingness to invest in proven quality and leadership under their new Spanish tactician.

For Chelsea, the move addresses midfield depth and experience amid a squad still evolving under new ownership and management.

Alonso, known for his meticulous, possession-oriented style, clearly sees Xhaka as the ideal on-pitch lieutenant—capable of dictating tempo, breaking up play, and mentoring younger talents in a high-pressure environment.

Sunderland, meanwhile, face a potential blow. Having secured Xhaka’s services for around €20 million just a year ago, losing their skipper could disrupt team chemistry as they aim to establish themselves back in the top flight.

Negotiations will likely center on whether the Black Cats can secure a higher fee or favorable add-ons.

Xhaka himself stands to close a full circle in his career. After thriving under Alonso in Germany and contributing solidly at Sunderland, a return to London football—where he previously shone (and sometimes struggled) at Arsenal—offers a chance for a triumphant late-career chapter in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

This development arrives amid a busy summer for Chelsea, who continue to reshape their squad following another transitional season. It also reflects a growing trend of top clubs targeting experienced veterans who offer immediate impact and dressing-room stability rather than solely chasing youthful potential.

As talks progress, fans on both sides of the divide will be watching closely.

Will Sunderland hold firm, or will the allure of reuniting with Alonso prove too strong?

For now, the ball is in the clubs’ court, but the momentum appears to favor a deal that could reshape midfield dynamics across the Premier League.

This story is developing. Updates will follow as negotiations advance.