Erik ten Hag has said that he will not allow any more players to leave Bayer Leverkusen, casting serious doubt over the Granit Xhaka transfer to Sunderland.
Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen have already lost three first-team players this summer, hurting their competitiveness.
Full-back Jeremie Frimpong and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz have joined Premier League champions, Liverpool. Centre-back Jonathan Tah has joined domestic rivals Bayern Munich.
Granit Xhaka ‘Excited’ to Join Sunderland on Summer Transfer
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka has been linked with several top clubs in Europe. Inter Milan have enquired, Juventus are lurking, and Fenerbahce have registered their interest. He also received an offer from Saudi Arabia, but he turned it down.
Despite the presence of heavyweights, newly promoted Sunderland have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Xhaka. According to his agent, Jose Noguera, Xhaka wants to leave Leverkusen and has reached a basic agreement with the Black Cats.
🚨 Granit Xhaka has informed Bayer Leverkusen that he ONLY wants to join Sunderland. Personal terms are already agreed. 🤝
Club-to-club talks continue over a fee.
(Source: @David_Ornstein ) pic.twitter.com/qielkjvkPn
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 22, 2025
In an interview with Sky, he said (via GOAL):
“We have reached a basic agreement with Sunderland.
“We hope that Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will reach an agreement soon.”
He added:
“Granit wants to return to the Premier League. He is excited about Sunderland – he wants to take on this challenge.”
Ten Hag Decision May Thwart Sunderland’s Xhaka Deal
At Leverkusen’s pre-season tour, manager Erik ten Hag was asked about Granit Xhaka’s future. He dismissed his agent’s comments, bluntly stating that he club will not sell any more players.
“His agent can say whatever he wants,” said Ten Hag about Xhaka’s Sunderland transfer rumours.
“But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go.”
🚨 Bayer Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag: “The agent of Xhaka can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players go, and we won't let any more go”.
“Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here”, told RP. pic.twitter.com/fLywcjBlM9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2025
He added:
“Granit is a leader; he still has three years left on his contract here.
“It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract.”
Black Cats Could Zero in On Anguissa After Xhaka Roadblock
Newly promoted Sunderland need a strong personality in the dressing room to help them stay afloat. Granit Xhaka, who has a proven Premier League track record, thanks to his time with Arsenal, seemed to be a perfect fit.
If they miss out on Xhaka, they could turn their attention to Napoli midfielder Frank Anguissa. Last week, Sunderland approached Napoli to get the latest on the former Fulham midfielder. They admire his physicality and believe his Premier League experience could come in handy. They could have to pay around £25 million to get Anguissa from Napoli.
Le Maestro D’anguissa🇨🇲🦁👌🙂 pic.twitter.com/H2pLg8CneT
— L’equipe237 (@LEquipe237) July 22, 2025
Sunderland have already spent over £100 million, signing the likes of Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsidine Talbi, and Noah Sadiki. Sunderland have also rekindled interest in Chuba Akpom, as Ajax look to offload him.
According to UK betting sites, Sunderland are the most likely to be relegated this season. The Black Cats, who earned a record fee selling Jobe Bellingham, begin their Premier League campaign with a clash against West Ham United on August 16.
