Celebrity Fan Web – Erik Ten Hag, Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, has firmly stated that Granit Xhaka will not leave the club this summer. Sunderland had shown interest in signing the 32-year-old midfielder. His agent recently confirmed personal terms were agreed with the newly promoted Premier League side. However, Ten Hag made it clear that Leverkusen will not allow Xhaka to go.
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Leverkusen has already sold key players this summer, including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich. Ten Hag emphasized the club’s need to maintain squad stability after these major exits. “We won’t let any more players go. That would harm the team’s structure and culture,” Ten Hag explained.
Xhaka is seen as a crucial leader for Leverkusen. He signed a five-year contract in 2023 and has three years remaining on that deal. Ten Hag said the midfielder’s role as a team leader makes him indispensable. The coach dismissed the agent’s statements about Xhaka’s potential move as irrelevant in light of the club’s priorities.
The Switzerland international spent seven years in England playing for Arsenal before moving to Leverkusen last year. His impact has been significant, helping the team win both the Bundesliga and German Cup titles under former coach Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen also reached the Europa League final, narrowly losing to Atalanta.
Xhaka’s Role at Leverkusen and Future Outlook
Granit Xhaka’s importance at Bayer Leverkusen extends beyond his playing abilities. He brings valuable Premier League experience and leadership to a club rebuilding after a busy transfer window. His presence is key as Leverkusen aims to defend its recent domestic success and compete strongly in Europe.
After a successful debut season, Xhaka continues to be a pillar in the squad. His contract runs until 2028, signaling the club’s long-term plans to keep him central to their ambitions. The club’s decision to retain him despite Sunderland’s interest reflects confidence in his ability to influence outcomes on and off the pitch.
Ten Hag took over as Leverkusen’s head coach this summer, replacing Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid. This leadership change signals a new chapter for the club, but retaining core players like Xhaka is vital for continuity. Ten Hag’s experience managing at the Premier League level adds depth to his understanding of players like Xhaka, who have ties to English football.
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Looking ahead, Sunderland’s hopes of signing Xhaka are likely over for this transfer window. Leverkusen’s focus remains on preserving team cohesion while planning for competitive campaigns across multiple fronts. Xhaka’s leadership and skill set will be essential as the club navigates these challenges. This situation highlights the complexities of transfer negotiations, where player ambitions, club strategy, and market activity intersect. Sunderland will need to explore other options as Leverkusen holds firm on one of their key assets.