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ALAN SHEARER SLAMS CHELSEA FC OVER ‘EMBARRASSING’ £8M GRANIT XHAKA BID AS SUNDERLAND AFC STAND FIRM
Premier league legend Alan Shearer has launched a fierce criticism of Chelsea after the London club reportedly attempted to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka with what has been described as a cut-price offer.
The Switzerland international has become one of the most talked-about names in the transfer market following an impressive debut campaign with Sunderland. Speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent days, with Chelsea emerging as one of the clubs keen on bringing the experienced midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
However, Sunderland are understood to have immediately rejected Chelsea’s reported £8 million offer, with the proposal being viewed as far below the player’s market value.
The Black Cats only signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth around £17.5 million. Since arriving at the Stadium of Light, the midfielder has exceeded expectations, becoming one of the standout performers in the Premier League and playing a crucial role in Sunderland’s remarkable campaign.
Under his leadership in midfield, Sunderland secured an impressive seventh-place finish in the Premier League, earning qualification for the UEFA Europa League. They also finished two points ahead of Chelsea, who endured a disappointing season by ending in 10th place and missing out on European football entirely.
Chelsea’s interest in Xhaka has been linked to their new manager, Xabi Alonso. Alonso previously worked closely with the Swiss midfielder during their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen, where the pair helped establish one of Germany’s strongest teams.
That previous relationship has inevitably fuelled speculation that Chelsea could attempt to reunite manager and player this summer. Nevertheless, Sunderland have shown no indication that they are willing to negotiate unless a significantly improved offer arrives.
Xhaka remains under contract for another two years after signing his deal with Sunderland last summer, placing the club in a strong negotiating position.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer did not hide his disbelief over Chelsea’s reported valuation of the midfielder.
The Newcastle United legend questioned how Chelsea could believe such an offer would even begin negotiations after Xhaka’s outstanding performances throughout the previous campaign.
“Sunderland bought Granit Xhaka for £17.5m. He was one of the best players in this Premier League last season, not only at Sunderland, but in the Premier League.
“And Chelsea think they can come in and offer less than half of what they bought him for and think that’s acceptable? I mean, that’s bizarre to me.
“I understand that he might want to go, but if he wants to go and clearly his agent has done some talking to Chelsea, then I mean it’s a pretty embarrassing bid when a year earlier they paid £17.5million and he’s been one of the best players in the league.
“It’s embarrassing from Chelsea really.
“I mean, they’re clearly not getting him. I mean, why would you sell a player for less than half when he’s been one of the best players? I mean, it’s ridiculous.”
Shearer’s comments have quickly attracted attention across social media, with many supporters agreeing that Sunderland were right to reject Chelsea’s approach without hesitation.
While Chelsea may believe their connection with Xabi Alonso could eventually persuade the player to seek a move, Sunderland are under little financial pressure to sell. The midfielder remains one of the club’s most influential figures and is expected to play another key role as they prepare for European competition next season.
From Sunderland’s perspective, accepting an £8 million offer for a player they purchased for £17.5 million only one year ago after he significantly increased his value through exceptional performances would make little sporting or financial sense.
Chelsea, meanwhile, may now face the choice of either returning with a substantially improved bid or turning their attention to alternative midfield targets if Sunderland continue to stand firm.
The situation remains one of the transfer window’s biggest talking points, especially given Xhaka’s importance to Sunderland and the existing relationship between the midfielder and Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso
Fans react online
Supporters from both clubs were quick to voice their opinions following Shearer’s outspoken assessment.
@BlackCatsForever: “£8 million for Xhaka? That’s not a serious offer. Sunderland were right to reject it immediately.”
@PremierTalk: “Alan Shearer said exactly what everyone was thinking. Chelsea massively underestimated Sunderland.”
@BridgeBlue96: “If Chelsea really want Xhaka, they’ll have to come back with double or triple that offer.”
@WearsideFaithful: “Why would Sunderland sell one of the league’s best midfielders at a loss after one incredible season?”
@FootballZoneUK: “Shearer’s criticism is harsh, but it’s difficult to argue against his logic.”
@ChelseaPulse: “Maybe it was just an opening bid, but £8 million was never going to convince Sunderland.”
@EPLInsider: “Sunderland hold all the cards here. Xhaka still has two years left on his contract.”
@TransferDailyHQ: “This transfer saga is only getting started. Chelsea will likely have to return with a much bigger offer if they truly want the midfielder.”
As things stand, Sunderland remain determined to keep one of their most valuable players, while Chelsea must decide whether to significantly increase their offer or walk away from negotiations. With the transfer window still open, the future of Granit Xhaka promises to remain one of the summer’s most closely watched stories.
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