Chelsea fans seem to all agree that Granit Xhaka is the type of signing Xabi Alonso needs to make this summer. So, the news of an £8m bid will have frustrated supporters.
For some reason, BlueCo and Chelsea’s quintet of sporting directors believed an £8m bid would suffice for Xhaka. Sunderland paid more than double that last summer, costing £17m, and he has been excellent.
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Not just that, but Xhaka has two years remaining on his Sunderland deal. Initial reports around the time the news emerged on Saturday afternoon said that a fee close to his Sunderland move would be needed.
Sunderland are under no pressure to sell Xhaka, a player Frank Leboeuf urged Chelsea to sign two years ago. So, are Chelsea returning with a second offer, and if they do, how much are they willing to pay?
Chelsea willing to pay almost double the first Xhaka offer
Given the initial £8m fee and how frustrating that will have been for supporters, after BlueCo had finally stumbled across the ideal summer signing, Chelsea are planning to go back in for Xhaka this summer.
A second bid is forthcoming, according to The Athletic’s Simon Phillips, and Chelsea have identified how much they believe will be enough to convince Sunderland to cash in on their Switzerland star.
Phillips reckons a fee between £10m and £15m will get the deal done, and even though Sunderland are against selling him, they believe Xhaka’s stance will help: “Chelsea expected to try again for Granit Xhaka.
“Player wants the move and is prepared to push for it. Chelsea value Xhaka around £10m-£15m, so there is scope to go higher. Sunderland stance still not for sale, but Chelsea believe player’s stance can help.”
Chelsea need to prove they understand importance of Xhaka deal
BlueCo’s first bid was a waste of time. Sunderland are never going to sell Xhaka for that kind of money, and realistically, unless they receive a decent wedge of cash, even Xhaka’s stance is not going to convince.
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The issue for BlueCo will be that Xhaka has no resale value. He is soon to turn 34, and spending £15m on him is likely to see the majority go down the drain, but the owners need to look at the bigger picture.
Obviously, Xhaka improves Chelsea’s quality in midfield. He knows Alonso well and would tactically hit the ground running. But most importantly, he drives standards, which slipped during the 2025-26 season.
Xhaka will get the best out of his teammates, and that is what Chelsea are paying for more than anything. He sets the tone, he instills leadership, and he is a big Cole Palmer fan. BlueCo, pay whatever is required.
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