Sunderland are fighting to keep Granit Xhaka with Chelsea making a major push for his signature

Former Sunderland midfielder Stefan Schwarz believes the Black Cats will find it difficult to keep hold of Granit Xhaka but insists Chelsea will have to raise their bid to make a deal happen.

Sunderland's preparations for the 2026/27 campaign have been rocked by news of Chelsea's interest in their captain and talisman, with the midfielder widely reported to be keen on reuniting with his former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso. Sunderland remain adamant that they do not want to sell the 34-year-old, and knocked back Chelsea's opening bid of £8 million.

Schwarz says Xhaka is priceless to Sunderland because of his importance on and off the pitch and that a second bid will need to reflect that.

"It’s always difficult when a player shows desire and wants to leave," Schwarz told The Echo courtesy of William Hill, who are offering the latest World Cup winner odds.

"It’s tough now to keep a player if they want to move on. It’s not good for anyone, especially Sunderland who have a huge season ahead to combine Europe and the Premier League. Xhaka has been incredible for Sunderland, showing calmness, leadership, experience, passion to help guide the team for a fabulous first season back in the Premier League. Sunderland can offer European football, a fan base who adore Xhaka and a team who want him to stay.

“From seeing the numbers circulated, it will most definitely need to be higher than the initial offer. But there is really no price because of how valuable Xhaka is to Sunderland. He is the captain, he is the experienced leader, he is a key figure on the pitch, so there is so much he has delivered last season and for the squad he is a very important part. So, any bid would need to increase."

Schwarz backs Sunderland to recruit well if Xhaka leaves but says he will leave a 'big void'.

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"It will be difficult for sure," he said.

"But, you look at the excellent recruitment over last summer, if Sunderland can replicate and secure another Xhaka type signing, then it can work out. But it is so difficult to secure players who can settle in and embrace the club as Xhaka did. So we can only see how this plays out, and then Sunderland must be smart with recruitment if Xhaka does decide to leave as it will leave a big void."

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