Erik ten Hag says Granit Xhaka ‘too important' for Bayer Leverkusen to ‘let go' amid Sunderland talks
The Athletic reported on Tuesday Xhaka, 32, was prioritising a move to Sunderland over other suitors, with an agreement in place between the Switzerland international and the newly-promoted Premier League club.
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Xhaka's agent Jose Noguerra Rodriguez confirmed to German media on Tuesday that there was an agreement between Sunderland and his player, but in response Ten Hag emphasised his desire to keep the midfielder.
'His agent can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players (Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah) go, and we won't let any more go. Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here.' Ten Hag told reporters during Leverkusen's pre-season tour of Brazil, as quoted by Bild.
'It's clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract. He's too important to us to let him go.'
Xhaka's Leverkusen contract runs until 2028 and the club's sporting managing director Simon Rolfes reiterated his importance to the club, but described any potential departure as a 'three-party' matter.
'I have repeatedly said that Granit is an important leader,' Rolfes said. 'The coach and I agree on that. We are in dialogue with all our players. In the end, it's always a three-party situation. Granit still has a three-year contract — and in principle, there can only be a change if all three sides agree to it.
'Topics like this always cause discussions and conversations. That's why it doesn't shock me.'
Xhaka has made 99 appearances for Leverkusen since joining from Arsenal in 2023, helping the club win their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24.
Ten Hag was appointed Leverkusen's new head coach earlier this summer, succeeding Xabi Alonso after his move to Real Madrid.
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