Overview
- Xhaka said this week he has decided to remain at Sunderland, telling DAZN that family and a desire to “make history” with the club guided his choice.
- Sunderland formally rejected an opening £8 million offer from Chelsea and publicly declared the club captain not for sale during early July.
- Reports from Football Insider and others say Chelsea remain interested and have considered a higher fee of about £17 million, but no improved bid has been accepted.
- Former club figures and commentators described Xhaka’s stay as a major boost to dressing-room stability and to Sunderland’s project as they prepare for Europa League football.
- Xhaka’s World Cup form drew mixed Swiss media reaction even as he scored the opening penalty in Switzerland’s shoot-out win over Colombia, showing both leadership and moments of criticism.