Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding a potential transfer of midfielder Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, emphasizing the player’s critical role at the club and the team’s unwillingness to lose more key figures.
In a recent statement to RP, Ten Hag addressed the swirling rumours with a resolute stance, underscoring Xhaka’s importance to the squad and his long-term commitment to the Bundesliga side.
Leader, mentor, winner. Granit Xhaka would be an inspired signing by Sunderland. He's 32 but still a force in midfield, still playing internationally (137 caps and counting for Switzerland). All that experience and guile and knowledge of the Premier League (225 appearances). All…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 23, 2025
Ten Hag’s Firm Stance
“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,” Ten Hag declared, signalling Leverkusen’s determination to retain their core players. The club has already seen significant departures in the transfer window, and the Dutch manager is clearly intent on drawing a line in the sand to protect the team’s stability.
Xhaka, the 32-year-old Swiss international, has been a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s midfield since joining from Arsenal in 2023. His leadership, tenacity, and ability to dictate play have made him indispensable, particularly during Leverkusen’s remarkable 2022-23 Bundesliga-winning campaign. With rumours linking him to a surprising move to Sunderland, Ten Hag was quick to quash any speculation.
Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here,” Ten Hag told RP. The midfielder’s experience and composure have been pivotal in guiding a relatively young squad, and his departure would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
