Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has blocked a possible Premier League return of an ex-Arsenal skipper who is angling for a move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Former Arsenal Granit Xhaka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Sunderland, but Bayer Leverkusen are determined to keep him.
Xhaka's agent, Jose Nogurra Rodriguez, revealed on Tuesday morning that the midfielder is eager to join the newly-promoted Premier League side.
However, Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag is unwilling to let another key player leave. Having already lost Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich, ten Hag is digging in his heels.
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"The agent can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three players go," ten Hag told Bild at Leverkusen’s training camp in Brazil. "We won’t be letting any more leave – that’s not possible. It would damage the squad's structure and culture."
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He emphasized Xhaka's importance to the team: "Granit is a leader. He signed a five-year contract and still has three years left. He’s too important for us to let go."
Leverkusen Maintain Firm Stance on Xhaka
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Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, echoed ten Hag's sentiments. "I’ve repeatedly said that Granit is a key leadership figure. The coach and I are completely aligned on this," Rolfes stated, dismissing the public pressure from Xhaka's agent. "These kinds of discussions and conversations are always happening. This doesn't surprise me."
While Leverkusen haven't explicitly ruled out a transfer, Rolfes clarified their position: "We’re always in contact with our players. Ultimately, any transfer involves three parties. Granit has three years left on his contract – fundamentally, a move requires agreement from everyone involved."
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According to Sky Germany, Sunderland's initial €10 million bid was rejected. Leverkusen are reportedly holding out for €20 million. Bild also reported that Xhaka wishes to address the situation publicly but has been told he cannot.