Last Word on Football brings you the latest Sunderland transfer news and rumours. Today, we look at the continuing saga between Sunderland and Chelsea regarding the Black Cats’ captain, Granit Xhaka. Plus, rumours are gathering pace that playoff final hero Eliezer Mayenda could be set for a move to Portugal.
Read More: Sunderland Exceeded All Expectations and Deserve Every Plaudit
Sunderland Transfer News and Rumours: Latest on Granit Xhaka and Eliezer Mayenda
Granit Xhaka Latest
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed via his X account that Chelsea will continue talks with Sunderland in the hope that they can sign their captain, Granit Xhaka. The Black Cats have already rejected one bid of £8 million and have advised that the player is not for sale. However, this has not put Chelsea off, with the Blues claiming the player is keen to join and work again with his former manager, Xabi Alonso.
Even if this is the case, Sunderland are highly unlikely to allow Xhaka to leave on the cheap and will fight to either keep their player, who still has two years left on his contract, or get the highest price possible.
Following on from Sunderland’s fantastic first season back in the Premier League, where they finished in seventh place, earning a Europa League place, fans will be hugely disappointed if their captain were to leave. Especially after his rousing speech after the final game of the season, ironically against Chelsea.
“First of all, thank you to the owner, thank you to Flo and thank you to the coach. I want to say thank you because what they did with this team, with this football club, players, staff… everyone in the club is unbelievable. Massive thank you as well to you guys, without your support at home and away this is not possible. I can promise you from my side as captain of the football club, this is just the beginning and we want more.
As everyone knows, things can change very quickly in football, but for a man who is adored by the fans, to say this and then depart would leave a bitter taste.
However, it is worth noting that neither Xhaka nor Sunderland have responded to any of the reports.
Read More: Sunderland Defender Confirms He is Leaving Club
Sunderland Transfer News and Rumours: Eliezer Mayenda to Porto?
According to Matteo Moretto, striker Eliezer Mayenda is set to move to Portugal with FC Porto. According to the Marca journalist, a deal between Sunderland and the Portuguese giants is close to being finalised. However, at present, it is unclear whether the deal is for a loan or a permanent transfer.
Mayenda was a hero of Sunderland’s promotion-winning year, scoring the winner in the first leg of the playoff semifinal and then a second-half equaliser in the final at Wembley, in which the Black Cats would go on to win thanks to a late injury-time winner.
Last season, the striker found games hard to come by, despite starting the season well. However, he eventually lost his place to Brian Brobbey, who is now having a successful time at the World Cup with the Netherlands.
Featured Image Courtesy of Imago/Action Plus
