Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move to Besiktas in Turkey, but he has made his feelings clear on life with Sunderland . The influential Black Cats skipper is reportedly ‘eager to join’ the Turkish giants according to reports linking him with a move away from the Stadium of Light. One report claims that Besiktas manager Sergen Yalcin has Xhaka high on his list of targets for next season. The Black Cats hierarchy have made it clear they want to keep the 33-year-old who
is contracted to the club until 2028. There is no immediate pressure to sell and Xhaka has indicated all is well on Wearside. Speaking to the Park the Bus podcast, alongside former Black Cats Steven Caldwell and Kevin Kilbane, Xhaka spoke of his family’s happiness in the North East. He said: “I’m very happy, to be honest. It’s exactly how I grew up myself [here], with the mentality and the people – they work very hard. Myself and my family are very happy and enjoying
our time here. “The stadium is unbelievable, the fans are there pushing us every time to the limit. We did very well in the beginning of the season, of course, we’ve now lost a couple of games now, at home, but this is part of our journey. In general, I think we can be very proud. “I knew about the team before, in 2016 I was suspended, so I couldn’t play against them, and I’d seen the Netflix documentary. But when you are here, you
feel how big the club is, and with the fanbase, the structure of the club, the players we have as well, it’s just a nice club. A big club, and we are enjoying it here.” Xhaka has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League. The former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen star is coming towards the end of his career but he still believes he has plenty to offer at the highest leve. He added: “I always say it is like
a red wine, I’m older but better. I’m feeling very healthy, very fit physically, but mentally as well. I’m enjoying the moment and just trying to give the team the best version of me that’s possible and for myself as well.” Xhaka also paid tribute to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris for his impact, while reflecting on the influence of former managers Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso on his late-career development. The duo – both top-class international midfielders during their playing career – have helped
Xhaka ‘see football in a different way’, but he credits Le Bris with being closer to Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger in style. “I have been very lucky with my last two coaches [before Sunderland], both midfielders,” Xhaka said. “In 2019, I started to see football in a different way because of Mikel Arteta – he was the guy who showed me what I didn’t see before. “With Xabi, it was the puzzle of getting things perfect with the ball, without the ball. the mindset, the
human being. For me, it was a privilege to have both of them. “Now we are here, with the boss who I say is like the second Arsene Wenger. He comes much more from a different culture, he gives us so much detail as well. I take a bit to learn from all of them for the future.”
Granit Xhaka, Sunderland, Besiktas, Sergen Yalcin, Régis Le Bris, Park the Bus, Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Stadium of Light, transfer rumours, contract until 2028
So he’s leaving or not lol.
I swear these transfer rumors are always going on. He says he’s happy at Sunderland but then reports say Besiktas is eager to sign him… makes no sense. Maybe it’s just PR to raise his value.
Besiktas chatter? That’s like every Turkish team always being connected to random players. Also Netflix documentary?? Like that’s what sold him on Sunderland culture? I’m confused. If his contract is until 2028 why would they even talk about selling right now.
Man football players always say “all is well” and then next week they’re gone. Sunderland fans really do push the team but losing at home “a couple games” could change everything. I don’t even know where Besiktas fits in his plans, Turkey or the North East, like he just got comfortable and then people start stirring it up again.