Sunderland Face Deadline to Meet Bayer Leverkusen's Demands for Granit Xhaka

Strategic Insights -

Sunderland AFC have been given an ultimatum by Bayer Leverkusen to meet their demands for Granit Xhaka, with the German club insisting on a deal worth at least €20m. The two clubs have been in talks for several weeks, but a agreement has yet to be reached. Xhaka, who has expressed a desire to return to England, is due to report back to Leverkusen on August 26, but the Black Cats must submit an acceptable offer before the end of the week to keep the transfer talks alive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sunderland have been given a deadline of this week to meet Bayer Leverkusen's demands for Granit Xhaka, with the German club insisting on a deal worth at least €20m.
  • Xhaka, who has expressed a desire to return to England, is due to report back to Leverkusen on August 26, but the Black Cats must submit an acceptable offer before the end of the week.
  • Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has stated that a decision on Xhaka's transfer will be made this week, and that the player's side is aware of the conditions under which a transfer is possible.
  • Sunderland's Regis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman have expressed their interest in Xhaka, with Speakman stating that the former Arsenal captain's leadership qualities and reliability make him a crucial signing for the Black Cats.
  • Sunderland are also involved in talks with Bologna over centre-half Jhon Lucumi, but the Serie A club remain reluctant to sell the Colombia international.
  • Bologna have a €28m release clause in Lucumi's contract, which expired earlier this summer, and are adamant that they will not allow the player to leave for less than that figure.

Statistics:

  • €20m: The minimum value that Bayer Leverkusen are asking for Granit Xhaka.
  • 32 years old: The age of Granit Xhaka, who has expressed a desire to return to England.
  • 3 years: The length of the deal that Sunderland are offering Xhaka if he joins the Black Cats.
  • 2028: The year in which Xhaka's current contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires.
  • 1: The number of centre-halves that Bologna have sold this summer (Sam Beukema to Napoli).
  • 28m: The €28m release clause that expired in Jhon Lucumi's contract earlier this summer.

Sources:

  • Bayer 04 Leverkusen [1]
  • German media
  • Regis Le Bris (Sunderland AFC)
  • Kristjaan Speakman (Sunderland AFC)
  • Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen)