Nov 28, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (17) moves the ball against Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka (10) in the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Stadium 974. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

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Erik ten Hag Shuts Down Granit Xhaka Exit Talk Amid Sunderland Interest

Premier League newcomers Sunderland may have to shift focus elsewhere with Leverkusen closing the door on a potential deal.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has firmly ruled out a summer exit for Granit Xhaka, despite reports linking the Swiss international with a move back to the Premier League. The 32-year-old midfielder has been targeted by newly promoted Sunderland, with his agent claiming that personal terms have already been agreed wih Sunderland.

But Ten Hag has made it clear that Xhaka remains central to his plans and will not be allowed to leave. Leverkusen have already sold Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Jonathan Tah also left the German team to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer. As a result, the Bundesliga runners-up are determined to keep hold of their remaining players.

Xhaka Is Too Important to Let Go: Ten Hag

Xhaka joined Leverkusen from Arsenal in 2023, returning to Germany after a seven-year stint in North London. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title without losing a game, secured the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final, which they lost to Atalanta.

Speaking to the media, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag said that Granit Xhaka will not be allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Ten Hag dismissed the agent’s claims, saying:

“The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players. We won’t let any more players go, that’s not possible. That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad.”

“It’s clear – Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years left on his contract. He’s too important for us to let him go.”

🗣️ "We won't let any more players go!"

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag is against selling Granit Xhaka to Sunderland 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/8jwrwb0gAn
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2025

The Swiss international has made 99 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing nine assists. His experience and leadership have been central to Leverkusen’s rise under former coach Xabi Alonso.

Ten Hag, who took over after Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid in May, has now been tasked with maintaining Leverkusen’s momentum. With three key players already gone, he views Xhaka as non-negotiable in the rebuild. Meanwhile, Premier League newcomers Sunderland may have to shift focus elsewhere with Leverkusen closing the door firmly on a potential deal.

Bayer Leverkusen

Erik Ten Hag

Granit Xhaka

Sunderland

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.