Sunderland keep Granit Xhaka amid Chelsea links
Sunderland, led by Florent Ghisolfi, have made contact for AS Roma attacker Matías Soulé. Roma want €35-40m. Soulé has 7 goals, 8 assists in 2025-26, is tempted by BVB, and is under contract to 2029.
Manager Alan Brown quit Sunderland in 1964 for Sheffield Wednesday after disputes over a house, bonus and backing, shocking players like Charlie Hurley and altering the club’s post-promotion trajectory.
Chelsea links to Granit Xhaka sparked panic, but reports say he will stay at Sunderland for 2026/27. Club stand firm, rejecting a lowball sale as Xhaka’s leadership remains key with Europe ahead.
Update on 2021-22 Wembley heroes: O’Nien still central, Patterson back from Millwall loan, Roberts at Birmingham, Clarke at Ipswich, Stewart at Southampton and Scotland. Several others now free agents.
Amid Chelsea interest, Xhaka was said to want the move yet Sunderland, protected by his contract, refused to sell. The piece argues loyalty is rare, but Xhaka still leads Sunderland’s push for Europe.
