Chelsea’s fanbase reacted to the news that the Blues wanted to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in excited fashion. But equally, they will be feeling frustrated on Sunday night – as will Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea fans have been crying out for BlueCo to ditch their approach to the transfer market, in which the owners signed young players with resale value. Experience is needed, and Granit Xhaka represents that.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
A leader, a quality midfielder, and one that sets an example and raises standards across the board. One that Xabi Alonso knows well, with their relationship key to securing the 2023-24 title with Leverkusen.
Over the last 24 hours, Chelsea fans will have grown even more excited about the news that the Blues wanted Xhaka, given he is reportedly keen on a move to Chelsea. But Chelsea’s first offer is embarrassing.
Chelsea see derisory £8m Granit Xhaka bid rejected
Last summer, Sunderland paid Leverkusen a fee worth £17m, including add-ons, to sign Xhaka. Some would say that Xhaka has produced his best season in English football. If anything, his value has grown.
Yet, Chelsea believed they could genuinely sign Xhaka for less than half Sunderland’s outlay. BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella claims Chelsea have made an initial offer of £8m for Xhaka, which was rejected.
Kinsella was the first to confirm that Chelsea’s first bid was £8m: “Updated: Sunderland also rejected an £8m bid from Chelsea, their stance is still that Granit Xhaka is not for sale.”
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie had more on the situation, following on from Kinsella’s information. He said: “Sunderland maintain Granit Xhaka is not for sale, having rejected Chelsea’s £8m offer for the midfielder.
“Sunderland do not want to sell their captain, and are under no financial pressure to do so. However, Sunderland are aware Xhaka wants to play for Xabi Alonso again, where they won the Bundesliga title.
“Chelsea think £8m is fair value for a player who will be 34 in September. He has two years left on his contract at The Stadium of Light,” Downie reported. It feels likely Chelsea will improve their first offer.
Chelsea fans and Xabi Alonso will be frustrated by Xhaka bid
The fact that Sunderland paid £17m for Xhaka just 12 months ago and Chelsea felt they could get the Swiss midfielder for less than half that fee, after such a stunning season on Wearside, is ridiculous.
Some reports suggested Chelsea would have to pay north of £25m to get Xhaka, and while that seems expensive, it is certainly more realistic to think Sunderland should expect a fee around the one they paid.
Chelsea have 10 centre-backs – who are YOU getting rid of? ❌
Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported on Saturday evening that Chelsea would have to do that, pay similar to what Sunderland spent to sign him from Leverkusen. Sunderland’s resolve will then be tested.
But at £8m, Chelsea fans’ hopes of BlueCo actually listening to them and buying some experience has been tainted by such a ludicrous first bid. Alonso will be desperate to get Xhaka, and he will be annoyed.
Chelsea need Xhaka, he wants the move, and fans realise the importance of bringing in a player like the former Arsenal star – one that will get the best out of other players. He is easily worth more than £8m.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
