Granit Xhaka Ends Chelsea Speculation, Commits Future to Sunderland

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has committed his future to the Black Cats, bringing to an end speculation surrounding his future. Chelsea have been chasing the Switzerland international throughout the summer, but he has decided to stay on Wearside.

The 33-year-old midfielder confirmed he had made his decision for the first time in the aftermath of Switzerland’s dramatic World Cup win over Colombia. Sunderland had already made their position clear by turning down an £8 million offer and stressing they did not want to sell their star midfielder.

Xhaka said:

“Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy. I’ve decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I am ready to make history with them.”

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had previously coached Xhaka in his days at Bayer Leverkusen and had targeted Xhaka in the pursuit. The former Arsenal man had been drawn to the idea of a reunion, but after speaking with Sunderland’s leaders, he has reiterated his commitment. He joined the Black Cats for £13 million last summer and is contracted to them for two more years.

They finished seventh last season and got a Europa League place, so he will need to lead the way. In the meantime, Chelsea were left to reflect on their own disappointment at missing out on European football altogether.

Switzerland Extend Historic Run as Argentina Gear Up for Quarterfinals

Xhaka’s summer with his national side has been nothing short of remarkable and a reflection of his happiness at club level. It is the first time Switzerland has reached the World Cup quarter-finals since hosting the tournament in 1954. Murat Yakin’s team eked out a narrow 0-0 draw in Vancouver to edge past a highly rated Colombian side.

The Swiss held their nerve and won the ensuing shootout 4-3. Their reward is a mouth-watering quarter-final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Kansas City. The Albiceleste booked their own ticket with a 3-2 comeback win against Egypt.

This is the captain Xhaka’s fourth World Cup in a row, and he is convinced without any doubt that this Swiss generation is exceptional. He will try to engineer an unlikely upset against one of the real favourites for the tournament this weekend.