Juventus Interest in Granit Xhaka Faces Resistance from Sunderland
Granit Xhaka continues to attract significant attention in the football transfer market, especially with Juventus expressing keen interest in acquiring the experienced midfielder. Recent reports highlight Juventus’ renewed pursuit of Xhaka as a priority target ahead of the January transfer window. However, Sunderland’s firm stance on retaining the player paints a complicated picture for any potential move in the near term.
Juventus Eyes Granit Xhaka as a Key January Acquisition
Juventus’ interest in Granit Xhaka is far from a new development. The Serie A club had previously pursued the Swiss international during the summer transfer window but negotiations fell through before any agreement could be reached. According to Tuttosport, Juventus has revived its pursuit after a thorough evaluation of his performances for Sunderland since his arrival.
At 33, Xhaka brings a blend of experience, creativity, and leadership to the midfield, which aligns with Juventus’ need to reinforce their squad depth with proven talent. With one goal and three assists in 11 league appearances, Xhaka has demonstrated his ability to influence games, making him an appealing option for Juventus as they plan their winter transfer strategy.
Sunderland’s Reluctance to Sell Xhaka in January
Despite the growing interest from Juventus and potential rival clubs, Sunderland remains steadfast in their intention not to sell Granit Xhaka during the mid-season transfer window. Mick Brown, a former chief scout, emphasized to Football Insider that the midfielder is a crucial component of Sunderland’s plans moving forward. Brown explicitly stated that Sunderland will not entertain any offers for Xhaka in January, highlighting the club’s determination to maintain squad stability.
This stance is critical, considering Sunderland is likely to demand a minimum transfer fee of €15 million, above Xhaka’s current market value of approximately €12 million as per Transfermarkt. However, the financial figure is almost secondary to Sunderland’s requirement of securing a high-calibre replacement before sanctioning any departure. This condition makes a mid-season deal more difficult and suggests that the club is more focused on maintaining a balanced and competitive team than capitalizing on transfer revenue.
The Financials and Market Dynamics of a Potential Transfer
The proposed transfer fee for Xhaka reportedly exceeds €15 million, reflecting not only Sunderland’s valuation of the midfielder but also Juventus’ willingness to invest in quality reinforcements. Although the market value is listed lower, transfer negotiations often factor in a premium based on players’ importance to their current teams and the buying club’s urgency.
In Xhaka’s case, Juventus appears ready to make a significant bid, acknowledging the value he brings both in terms of skillset and experience. Still, Sunderland’s resistance and Xhaka’s probable contentment at the club imply that even a lucrative offer might not persuade the club or player to endorse a January move. This scenario suggests the likelihood of any transfer being postponed until the summer window, when clubs typically reassess their squads and players may be more open to moves.
What This Means for Juventus and Sunderland
For Juventus, securing Granit Xhaka would add much-needed depth and versatility to their midfield lineup, offering tactical flexibility and veteran insight. Their persistent monitoring of Xhaka speaks volumes about their belief in his potential contribution. However, the club may have to exercise patience and wait for the summer window to materialize their ambition.
On the other hand, Sunderland’s commitment to retaining Xhaka underscores their strategy of building a stable and competitive midfield core. The club’s rejection of transfer offers indicates a desire to avoid mid-season disruption, which can be detrimental to team cohesion and performance. Xhaka’s role as a leader and influential figure in the squad makes him invaluable in their campaign moving forward.
Conclusion: A Transfer Deferred but Not Denied
While Juventus’ interest in Granit Xhaka remains strong and ongoing, Sunderland’s firm refusal to consider his sale in January highlights the complexities surrounding mid-season transfers, especially for pivotal players. Both sides seem to understand the strategic and financial implications involved, making a January move unlikely.
As it stands, the pursuit of Xhaka by Juventus is more of a long-term target than an immediate acquisition. February and beyond may hold the key to whether negotiations can progress once Sunderland has addressed their squad needs and as the player himself contemplates future opportunities. Until then, Granit Xhaka remains a vital asset for Sunderland, illustrating how transfer speculation often involves balancing club interests, player desires, and market realities.## Juventus Interested in Signing Granit Xhaka: Sunderland’s Stance Amid Transfer Speculations
Juventus is reportedly interested in signing Granit Xhaka, the experienced Swiss midfielder currently playing for Sunderland. The Italian giants have reignited their pursuit of Xhaka ahead of the January transfer window, as per multiple media reports including Football Insider and Tuttosport. However, Sunderland shows no indication of budging on their key player, making the potential move a complicated affair.
Juventus Looks to Bolster Midfield with Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka, aged 33, has been a pivotal figure in Sunderland’s midfield since his arrival. His performances have not gone unnoticed, catching the eye of Juventus, who are keen to reinforce their squad in the ongoing Serie A season. Juventus had previously explored the possibility of signing Xhaka during the summer transfer window, but negotiations stalled before an agreement could be reached.
According to Tuttosport, the Italian club has been closely monitoring Xhaka’s contributions since his move to Sunderland and considers him a priority target for the mid-season transfer period. The club values Xhaka’s experience, versatility, and leadership qualities, which could prove vital in Juventus’ ambitions to regain domestic and European glory.
Sunderland’s Firm Position on Retaining Granit Xhaka
Despite Juventus’s clear interest, Sunderland is unwavering in its stance. Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club views Xhaka as “a crucial part of Sunderland’s plans” and explicitly stated they have “no intention of considering an offer for him in the January transfer window.”
Sunderland’s strategy appears focused on maintaining squad stability mid-season rather than disrupting their midfield by selling their prized asset. The club is reportedly prepared to reject any offers for Xhaka, regardless of the financial incentives or interest from high-profile clubs like Juventus.
Financial and Contractual Considerations in Transfer Talks
Reports suggest Sunderland would only consider a sale if a minimum fee of €15 million is offered. This figure is notably higher than Granit Xhaka’s market value, which Transfermarkt currently lists at around €12 million. Such a premium reflects Sunderland’s desire not only to capitalize on the sale but also to balance the team by securing a high-caliber replacement before allowing Xhaka to leave.
Furthermore, any potential January departure looks complicated by the timing of the transfer window. Mid-season moves can disrupt team dynamics, and given Xhaka’s importance both on and off the pitch, Sunderland is understandably cautious.
Football Italia adds that it’s unlikely Xhaka himself would push for a transfer mid-season, which diminishes the chances of Juventus persuading Sunderland to part ways with him in January. This suggests that even if Juventus remains interested, any actual transfer might realistically be postponed until the summer window becomes available.
What Does Granit Xhaka Bring to Juventus?
Midfield stability and experience: Xhaka is a seasoned, battle-tested defensive/central midfielder. Over many years at clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal, he’s shown he can handle high-pressure games. That experience helps especially in a club like Juventus that often competes for titles and needs composure in midfield under pressure.
■Tactical intelligence and midfield control: Xhaka is good at dictating tempo, distributing passes from deep, and organising play — useful traits if Juve want to control games rather than always chase them. He can help shield the defence defensively while starting attacks constructively.
■Leadership & experience in big matches: Given his long career and experience in top leagues, Xhaka offers leadership, calmness, and maturity — qualities that help in crucial moments, derbies, European games or tight league matches. Some reports even present him as a potential “anchor” for Juventus’s midfield rebuild.
■Cost-effective compared with alternatives: According to recent reporting, his asking price (from Leverkusen, or from clubs now) is significantly lower than some other midfielders Juventus have eyed — which could make him a smart, budget-conscious reinforcement.
