There was a time when Granit Xhaka felt like a footballer perpetually on his way out of somewhere. Arsenal fans spent years half-expecting him to be sold, and yet here he is, apparently doing it all again — this time at Sunderland, where reports of Chelsea interest have been doing the rounds. The difference now though is that Xhaka seems to actually be staying put, which is a decent bit of news for the Black Cats.
Sunderland made a real statement when they brought Xhaka in, and handing him the captain's armband showed exactly how much they value him. He's the kind of player who makes the lads around him better, organises things in midfield, and brings a level of experience that money genuinely can't always buy. When you're a club with Sunderland's ambitions — and those ambitions are clearly pointed upwards — keeping hold of a player like this matters enormously.
As for Chelsea, it's becoming a bit of a habit for them to be linked with every available midfielder on the continent. They have spent more on midfielders in recent years than most clubs spend on their entire squads, so the interest is not exactly a surprise. Whether they truly pushed hard for Xhaka or whether this was more of a gentle enquiry that never really got off the ground is probably a question worth asking. Either way, it sounds like it went nowhere.
From a purely footballing standpoint, Xhaka at 32 is still a proper player. He's not the type to light up a highlight reel every week, but he reads the game well, wins the ball back, and drives things forward with purpose. For a side pushing for promotion or looking to establish themselves back in the top flight, that profile is gold.
Sunderland fans will be relieved, and honestly, who could blame them. Losing your captain to a top-flight rival mid-project would sting anyone. It looks like the Stadium of Light gets to keep its most important voice in the dressing room, and that can only be a good thing for what they are trying to build.
Let me know your thoughts.