Ten Hag denied, Xhaka is going after all

Big news came just a few day ago from Leverkusen. In the middle of pre-season, new boss Erik ten Hag was precise and without any reservations – Granit Xhaka cannot leave the club. After Florian Wirtz left, along with Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah, the 2023/24 Bundesliga champion was already weakened. Apart from those three players, loaned footballers like Nordi Mukiele (PSG) and Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) also went back to their clubs leaving Leverkusen short in numbers. So, when Xhaka’s agent said publicly that his client was allowed to negotiate with Sunderland, Ten Hag was quick to deny that. But it seems that his comments have not been taken seriously.

As per multiply reports from Germany, Bayer has accepted a 20 million euros transfer from Sunderland, and the player already agreed personal terms so there are no more obstacles for former Arsenal captain to come back to England. The German club will be losing five million euros as they brought him from the Gunners for 20, but they will save on his wages. Xhaka will earn around 10 million per season in Sunderland until 2028, while he earned seven million in Leverkusen.

First tension between Ten Hag and Xhaka

"This club has already sold three important players (Wirtz, Frimpong, Tah). We won't let go of any more players, that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and culture of the squad". This is what Ten Hag said just days ago, and today, he will see one of his leaders leaving the team after all. Was this just a pre-staged anger from the Dutchman, aimed to force Sunderland to give more money (it worked), or he was blindsided by his sporting director remains to be seen.