Sunderland hold firm on Xhaka as Serra set for role
Sunderland are set to appoint Matteo Serra from PAOK to oversee player exits and loan management, trimming the wage bill and shaping pathways as the club prepare for Premier League and Europa League.
Sunderland insist Granit Xhaka is not for sale despite Chelsea talks. The 33-year-old captain, under contract to 2028, helped secure Europa League qualification and is at the World Cup with Switzerland.
Profile of Sunderland’s leadership: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sets vision, Juan Sartori brings networks, Tom Burwell drives operations, and Florent Ghisolfi leads recruitment to build a modern, aligned club.
Sunderland players net seven World Cup group-stage goals, joint-top among Premier League clubs with Crystal Palace, trailing only Real Madrid and PSG overall.
Nilson Angulo impressed for Ecuador vs Germany with a goal, carries and take-ons. Sunderland hope the £15m winger kicks on after an injury-hit start, rotating with Chemsdine Talbi across four competitions.
