Reports: Leverkusen's Xhaka nears Sunderland move
According to multiple reports on Monday the Swiss international must however complete such a move by the end of the month on Thursday.
"There will be a decision this week. Granit's side knows about the conditions under which a transfer is possible. If that doesn't happen he will stay," Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes was quoted as saying.
Xhaka played in England at Arsenal for seven years 2016-2023 before joining Leverkusen where he has a contract until 2028. He helped them win a first Bundesliga title and the German Cup in the memorable 2023-24 campaign in which the team's only defeat came in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Sunderland are said to be ready to meet Leverkusen's asking price, and Leverkusen are willing to let him go although new coach Erik ten Hag doesn't want to lose him.
"This club has already let three important players go. We will not give up more players, that is not possible. It would neglect the structure and the culture of the squad," ten Hag said.
Playmaker Florian Wirtz and full back Jeremie Frimpong have left for Liverpool, and centre back Jonathan Tah has joined Bayern Munich. In addition, ten Hag has replaced Xabi Alonso who is now in charge at Real Madrid.
The future of defenders Piero Hincapie and Alejandro Grimaldo, midfielder Exequiel Palacios and forward Victor Boniface is also unclear. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is said to join French league side Monaco, with newly signed Mark Flekken to take his place.
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