Xhaka breaks silence on rejected Chelsea move

Granit Xhaka has broken his silence on Chelsea’s failed summer bid, revealing he never intended to leave Sunderland despite interest from former coach Xabi Alonso. The Switzerland international called it “a big privilege” that Chelsea wanted him, but insisted his commitment to Sunderland’s project remained firm, according to Football365.

Chelsea had an £8m offer rejected as Sunderland made clear the 34-year-old was “not for sale,” a stance later confirmed by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Xhaka told The Sports Agents podcast he told Sunderland’s owner from day one that he didn’t join for just one season, choosing to continue his European football journey at the Stadium of Light instead.