Xhaka Too Valuable To Let Go, Says Ten Hag Amid Suderland Links

Granit Xhaka remains a crucial part of Bayer Leverkusen’s squad and will not be allowed to leave the club, manager Erik ten Hag said on Tuesday, responding to reports linking the Swiss midfielder with a move to newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland.

Leverkusen have already seen several key departures during the summer transfer window, including attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and right-back Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool and center-back Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.

Xhaka, 32, has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland, according to comments made by his agent to German media. However, Ten Hag, who took over from Xabi Alonso in May following the Spaniard’s move to Real Madrid, dismissed the possibility of another exit.

“The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“We won’t let any more players go, that’s not possible. That would neglect the structure and the culture of the squad.”

The former Arsenal midfielder has been a standout performer since joining Leverkusen, helping the team to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, along with a German Cup triumph and a run to the Europa League final.

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

Xhaka has made 99 appearances for Leverkusen, contributing six goals and nine assists since arriving from Arsenal in 2023.