Latest news with #ErikTenHag
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Erik ten Hag sends clear message over Granit Xhaka transfer
Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has stated that midfielder Granit Xhaka will not be joining Sunderland this summer. Ten Hag explained that Leverkusen has already sold three important players and cannot afford to lose Xhaka, who is a leader and crucial to the team. Xhaka, 32, signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen and has three years remaining on his contract, having helped them win the Bundesliga last season. Sunderland, recently promoted to the top flight, has spent over £100m this summer and is keen to add experienced players like Xhaka to their squad. Despite Ten Hag's resistance, Sunderland is expected to continue pursuing a deal for the Switzerland international.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'The Agent Can Say Anything': Bayer Leverkusen Boss Erik Ten Hag Steadfast On Retaining Granit Xhaka
Ten Hag opined that the club had already lost a couple of key players in the transfer market and would like to hold on to the 32-year-old midfielder. Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik Ten Hag stated his intent to hold on to midfielder Granit Xhaka following talk of the Swiss star's exit from the Bundesliga giants made the rounds online a day earlier. Ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso at the German outfit, opined that the club has already lost a couple of key players in the transfer market and would like to hold on to the 32-year-old midfielder. 'The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players," the Dutchman said. Leverkusen had to endure the departures of star midfielder Florian Wirtz, fullback Jeremie Frimpong, as the duo joined Premier League champions Liverpool, and stopper back Jonathan Tah made the switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. 'We won't let any more players go, that's not possible," he revealed his desire to hold on to the existing members of the squad. 'That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad," the 55-year-old head coach explained. 'It's clear – Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years left on his contract," the former Manchester United boss said. 'He's too important for us to let him go," he concluded. Ten Hag, who had to endure a testing period at Premier League side Manchester United after a glorious stint at Dutch unit Ajax. The Dutchman had to witness a shambolic performance form the German side in his first game in charge of the 2023/24 champions as Leverkusen went down 1-5 in tame fashion to Brazilian side Flamengo's U20 unit in a behind-closed doors friendly. The former Ajax boss will look for a turn of fortunes as he gears up for a string of club friendlies at the helm of Die Werkself. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Can say what he wants' – Erik ten Hag single-handedly appears to BLOCK Granit Xhaka transfer to Sunderland
ERIK TEN HAG is threatening to scupper Granit Xhaka's dream Premier League return. And the ex- Manchester United boss claims the Swiss star is 'too important' for Bayer Leverkusen to let him leave. 4 4 The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder's agent confirmed that the star has his heart set on a switch to Sunderland. The Black Cats have agreed a three-year contract with Xhaka and were hoping to make him their seventh summer signing in a £10million-plus deal. Xhaka's agent Jose Noguera said: 'We've reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland. 'Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge. 'We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.' However, newly-appointed Leverkusen boss Ten Hag has already lost Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah from his squad this summer. And despite the pleas of Xhaka, the Dutchman is adamant that the veteran is going nowhere. Speaking last night in Brazil on Leverkusen's pre-season tour, Ten Hag said: 'His agent can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players go, and we won't let any more go. 'Granit is a leader and still has three years left on his contract here. '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, who lifted the FA Cup twice during his seven years at Arsenal, joined Leverkusen in 2023. He was instrumental in their incredible Bundesliga and German Cup successes during his first season there and made a further 49 appearances last term as they finished second to Bayern Munich. Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes doubled down on the player's importance, though he described any potential exit as a 'three-party' matter. Rolfes said: 'I have repeatedly said that Granit is an important leader. 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.' TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW 4
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Sunderland target Xhaka will not leave
Head coach Erik ten Hag says Sunderland target Granit Xhaka will not be allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen this 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder's agent told German media on Tuesday he had agreed personal terms with the newly promoted Premier League club and wanted to return to England. However, after selling Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, as well as Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga club do not want to lose any more players. "The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players," Ten Hag said. "We won't let any more players go, that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad. "It's clear - Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years left on his contract. He's too important for us to let him go."The Switzerland player spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal before joining Leverkusen in helped Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title and the German Cup double under Xabi Alonso during his debut season, when they also lost the Europa League final to has three years to run on the five-year deal he signed in 2023. Ten Hag, who spent more than two years at Manchester United before being sacked in October 2024, replaced Alonso as head coach earlier this summer following the Spaniard's move to Real Madrid.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Xhaka too important for Leverkusen to let go, Ten Hag says
July 23 (Reuters) - Granit Xhaka is a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen and the Bundesliga side cannot afford to let the Swiss midfielder leave, manager Erik ten Hag said amid reports linking him to a move to Sunderland. Leverkusen have already lost playmaker Florian Wirtz and defender Jeremie Frimpong to Premier League champions Liverpool, while centre back Jonathan Tah has moved to Bayern Munich. Former Arsenal man Xhaka has been linked with a move to Sunderland, with his agent telling German media the 32-year-old Switzerland skipper has an agreement in principle with the newly-promoted Premier League club. "The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players," Ten Hag told German media on Tuesday. "We won't let any more players go, that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad. "It's clear — Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years left on his contract. He's too important for us to let him go." Xhaka helped Leverkusen secure the double in the 2023-24 season as they lifted their first Bundesliga title without losing a game, won the German Cup and reached the Europa League final. He has made 99 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring six goals and registering nine assists. Former Manchester United manager Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso in May after the Spaniard left to manage his former club Real Madrid.
