Chelsea targets Granit Xhaka amid changing transfer strategy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 11:20 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Chelsea's pursuit of Granit Xhaka has reportedly gained momentum after an £8m bid for the midfielder was rejected by Sunderland, who have stated he is not for sale. The move for Xhaka represents a strategic shift for Chelsea, which has fielded one of the youngest lineups in the Premier League for the past two seasons. Aging players have been absent from their selection during this period, and Xhaka, turning 34 in September, would mark a departure from this trend. Leadership concerns within the squad have also led the club's management to consider strengthening their roster with more experienced players, as they prepare for potential departures, including a possible transfer of Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer.
- •Chelsea's £8m bid for Xhaka was rejected by Sunderland.
- •Xhaka has been key to Sunderland's strong performance last season.
- •Chelsea has focused on a young squad, fielding no players over 30.
- •Enzo Fernandez's potential exit to Real Madrid could impact Chelsea's plans.
- •Club leadership acknowledges the need for changes in recruitment.
- 11:20 AMYahoo Sports — Xhaka signing would be a radical shift in transfer policy
"For Chelsea, any successful move for Granit Xhaka - who Sunderland have said is not for sale after rejecting the Blues' £8m bid for the midfielder - would be a radical shift in transfer policy. Chelsea have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons and have not not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. Members of the club's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge that adjustments are needed to improve their recruitment.
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