Overview

• Simon Rolfes affirmed Xhaka’s leadership role as vital, making retention the club’s top priority.
• He set a transfer valuation at around €20 million and insisted any sale must benefit both player and club.
• Premier League side AFC Sunderland remains interested while Saudi newcomer Neom SC has withdrawn its bid.
• Xhaka’s contract runs until 2028, though he has expressed doubts about having the energy for a major squad overhaul.
• New coach Erik ten Hag publicly backed Xhaka’s continued presence, calling him key to Leverkusen’s next chapter.