Regis Le Bris has reiterated that Granit Xhaka will stay at Sunderland this switch window, insisting that negotiations with Chelsea are “finished”.
Xhaka was closely linked with a transfer to the Blues earlier within the switch window to reunite with former Bayer Leverkusen participant Xabi Alonso, however he has admitted he doesn’t need to go away Sunderland.
The Swiss worldwide solely joined Sunderland final summer season in a deal value £17.2m (€22.9m) and has been excellent for the Black Cats.
He performed 34 instances within the Premier League, scoring one aim and offering a joint-team-high six assists (degree with Enzo Le Fey).
Xhaka additionally recorded probably the most touches (2,295), was high of the record for passes (1,807) and accomplished passes (1,512), serving to the membership to a seventh-place end, securing a spot within the Europa League.
Sunderland stay adamant they need to hold Xhaka subsequent season, and Le Bliss admitted that has not modified.
“No, this subject is closed,” mentioned Le Bris. “He was actually clear about his future.
“He loves Sunderland and he needs to remain at Sunderland. He needs to construct Sunderland’s future. He is an excellent captain. He is an incredible chief.”
Sunderland defied expectations with a incredible marketing campaign, incomes promotion to the Premier League with victory within the Championship play-off ultimate for the 2024-25 season.
Their 54 factors within the Premier League this season are the very best for a newly promoted crew since Leeds United (59 factors) in 2020/21, and the very best for a promoted facet since Wolves (additionally seventh) in 2018/19.
The Reds introduced in 14 new gamers in final summer season’s switch window, however Le Bris says he’ll take a special method this time.
“It’ll be quiet,” he added. “Underneath the radar, huh?
“I am not going to present out any data. I feel we’re working actually arduous behind the scenes, so it is actually vital that we hold quiet, as a result of if we do not, we’ll be in bother.”
“And in comparison with final season, we’re most likely taking a look at a special switch window. We needed to signal 14 new gamers. That is not the case this yr. We’ll see what occurs.”
