Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga
Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to snub a Premier League return with Sunderland despite mounting speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London, where he developed into a combative leader for the Gunners. Since then he has played a vital role in the system and was a key figure when the German side lifted their first-ever Bundesliga crown.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Saudi club Neom were previously linked with a big-money move for the Swiss star but ultimately pulled out of negotiations as they did not want to match Leverkusen's demands of €15 million (£12.6m) and were prepared to pay €8m (£6.7m). Leverkusen were in no need to sell the player as he continues to be a vital cog in midfield and has three years left on his current deal.
Granit Xhaka Bayer Leverkusen
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sunderland weren’t alone in their attempts to lure Xhaka away from the BayArena. Turkish Super Lig powerhouse Fenerbahce also registered their interest with a concrete offer. But much like the Premier League club, they too have seemingly come up short, with the player said to be focused on continuity and family stability over embarking on a new challenge abroad, as revealed by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the driving forces behind Xhaka’s likely decision to remain in Leverkusen is the club’s evolving vision under new manager Erik ten Hag. The former Manchester United boss recently took the reins at the Bundesliga champions, and reportedly plans to build the core of his midfield around the experienced Swiss international, appreciating his leadership qualities and game management skills. Such a central role is difficult to walk away from, especially when combined with family considerations and the comfort of life in Germany.
Granit Xhaka
WHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA?
Though Sunderland had high hopes of pulling off a major coup with the acquisition of Xhaka, they now must look for alternatives. In fact, AC Milan had also reached out to the midfielder but had to withdraw their interest, given Leverkusen's high asking price.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal, Liverpool then & Now Al $enal EPL Week 2 !! This is so accurate Los Blancos have truly secured themselves not one, but TWO future Legends! emmm 002 Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: originaltrollfootball, AZRorganization, zhibo8, Justtoonit)...
[(AEK Larnaca FC) Strength]: 1. AEK Larnaca FC have scored a total of 9 goals in their last 5 matches, averaging nearly 2 goals per game.[(AEK Larnaca FC) Neutral]: 1. AEK Larnaca FC's last 4 games ended with OVER. The playing style is rather aggressive.[(AEK Larnaca FC) Weakness]: 1. AEK Larnaca FC are currently on a two-game losing streak and have been in poor form recently.2. AEK Larnaca FC hav...
[(Fulham F.C.) Strength]: 1. The current squad value of the Premier League team Fulham F.C. is approximately 330 million euros, while EFL Championship team Bristol City have a value of around 60 million euros.[(Fulham F.C.) Neutral]: 1. Fulham F.C. have played two official matches in the new season so far, both ending in 1-1 draws in the league.2. Fulham F.C. have been drawing 0-0 at halftime in b...
Alejandro Garnacho ChelseaChelsea are hoping to negotiate a bargain £25 million ($33.7m) transfer fee with Manchester United for their out-of-favour winger Alejandro Garnacho before the summer transfer window closes. Garnacho is in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' after his fallout with the manager following the Europa League final loss to Tottenham last season.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has been froz...
Alexander Isak Liverpool GFXLiverpool are preparing a bid worth over £130 million ($175m) for Alexander Isak as they attempt to finally sign the Newcastle striker this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?PerTBR Football, Liverpool are preparing a bid worth in excess of £130m for Isak, with the package potentially reaching £140m ($188m) when add-ons are included. Newcastle remain insistent that the...
Manchester United v Everton FC: Premier League Summer SeriesReal Madrid and Atletico Madrid are among a host of clubs who have shown interest in signing out-of-favour Manchester United midfieder Kobbie Mainoo. The United youth product lost his place in Ruben Amorim's since returning from an injury last December. In the 2025-26 campaign, the England international is yet to play a single minute in t...
Vinicius Real Madrid 2025Real Madrid legend Pedja Mijatovic has advised his former club to sell Vinicius Junior this summer, while slamming the Brazilian winger for his on-field behaviour. The Selecao star came off the bench to contribute with a goal and an assist last weekend, as Los Blancos registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Real Oviedo in La Liga.WHAT HAPPENED?Xabi Alonso shuffled his starti...
AC Milian eyeing move for Marseille's RabiotPer Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have approached Rabiot representatives as they plan to sign the French midfielder this summer from Marseille. The Serie A giants are yet to approach the Ligue 1 with a formal offer, however, they are unlikely to include Ismael Benacer as part of a swap deal.Chelsea prepare for 'bitter' war with Liverpool over NgumohaLiverpoo...
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates his match-winner against NewcastleAt 16 years and 361 days old, Liverpool's new prodigy has etched his name into the record books: the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, fourth-youngest in Premier League history, and the second-youngest to score a match-winning goal. A debut strikingly similar to that of Wayne Rooney. Football's future belongs to teenagers shatteri...
FC Cincinnati v Inter Miami CFBusquets has not renewed his contract with Miami, and is on track to play his 100th match with the squadOrlando City v Inter Miami CFWHAT HAPPENEDSergio Busquets, Spanish midfielder for Inter Miami, expressed his willingness to release his designated player spot for the MLS club to make room for additional reinforcements.Busquets arrived in Miami in June 2023 under th...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 6 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC