Xabi Alonso favourite breaks silence on Chelsea transfer interest

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has confirmed why he rejected the chance to reunite with former boss Xabi Alonso at Chelsea this summer.

The 33-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the early weeks of the summer window, with Alonso believed to be a driving force behind the Blues’ interest after working with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen.

However, the Switzerland captain ultimately chose to remain at Sunderland and Chelsea responded by bringing Jordan Henderson to west London as an alternative signing amid their pursuit of added experience.

Asked about his decision to reject a summer move to Chelsea, Xhaka told The Sports Agents podcast: “When I signed the contract here [Sunderland], there was a plan behind the scenes, and the plan was to stick to this project, to believe in this project, and to work for this project.

“And I always say to myself and to the people around, I didn't come here for one season. It's a big privilege that a football club like Chelsea want a player, nearly 34 years old.

“There was something behind, yes, for sure, but my commitment to the club was straight for it.”

He added: “When I spoke with the owner of Sunderland, I told him from the beginning, I don't have the feeling that this project is done yet, and this is my motivation.

“I want to enjoy the European football with this football club with the fans, and hopefully we can get more after this season.”

Will Chelsea rekindle Granit Xhaka interest?

Chelsea remain in the market for a new central midfielder after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez over the summer, although it seems unlikely that Xhaka will join the club in 2027.

Links with the Switzerland international have died down since he opted to remain at Sunderland this summer and Chelsea are expected to pursue a move for either Lamine Camara, Manu Kone or top target Alex Scott next year.

The Blues have looked lacklustre in midfield so far this season and while Moises Caicedo will ease such concerns once he returns from injury, it remains an issue that Alonso needs to fix in the transfer market.

Chelsea have been tipped to step up talks over a January deal for Scott in the coming weeks, while they may look to finally bring Camara or Kone to the club after failed moves for the duo on Transfer Deadline Day.