Sunderland have stood firm after Chelsea made a move to sign Granit Xhaka this summer

So it seems the saga might really be over.

It was news that Sunderland fans had hoped for but certainly not expected, talks between the club and Granit Xhaka last week going so well that the Black Cats were reassured the midfielder has committed his future to the club. There was a cheeky social media post to show fans they considered the matter closed, shared by the man himself as he basked in the glow of Switzerland's historic World Cup knockout win. Though sources close to Chelsea initially suggested they felt a deal was still there to be done, the picture changed over the weekend. First, Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Xhaka had spoken personally to Xabi Alonso to confirm he would be staying at Sunderland. Later that evening, Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea had now stopped all attempts to sign the midfielder, accepting that he is deemed not for sale and in the bid to 'maintain good relations' with the Black Cats.

Sunderland's stance that Xhaka was not for sale at any price was most certainly helped by Chelsea's derisory bids for their talisman, which did not even come close to approaching a level where the club would have been able to go out and replace his influence on and off the pitch adequately. It was nevertheless a surprising development given the general arc of modern football, where what the big six wants the big six usually gets.

Things can change quickly in football and so it would be naive to assume that the story now has nowhere left to go, but it nevertheless represents a significant statement of intent from Sunderland at the start of a crucial summer transfer window in which they need to try and build out the depth and quality of the squad in order to be ready for the Europa League. No player is bigger than the club or the project and Sunderland's rapid rise over the last four years demonstrates that no player is irreplaceable, but it's clearly true that in both cases Xhaka is as close as it gets. He remains one Europe's elite central midfielders, marrying over a decade of experience at the top level with outstanding technical ability - it is no surprise to anyone who watched Sunderland last season that Xhaka is right at the very top for line-breaking passes at this summer's World Cup so far. Like all top-tier clubs, Sunderland know how football works and how quickly things can change, planning for all manner of scenarios heading into a transfer window as a result. Losing Xhaka would not have been an insurmountable setback, but it would unquestionably been just about the worst possible way to start.

If some neutrals reacted to Sunderland's surge to seventh and a place in the Europa League by suggesting that it might only accentuate their potential struggle with second-season syndrome, then those who watched Régis Le Bris's side in the final weeks of the season were heartened by the clear signs of improvement from so many individuals but more importantly the team as a collective. They are heading into pre-season with genuine momentum and as a side on the up, but if you were to identify factors that could lead to a drop-off then the departure of Xhaka would have been right at the very top. Not just because of his creativity and his ability to help manage the rhythm of a game, but because of how he maintains and drives standards every day at the Academy of Light. He is also one of the players in the squad who has played regularly in continental competition, understanding the demands and the pressures of juggling the demanding schedule.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Perhaps most important is the message Sunderland have sent both internally and to their fans.

Footballers understand the game and experience means they tend to be a pretty pragmatic bunch, so had Xhaka moved to Chelsea in a bid to win more titles with Xabi Alonso, the response would likely have been for the most part respect and understanding. That Sunderland have stood firm nevertheless shows the dressing room that they are determined to build on last season's success. For supporters, news of Chelsea's interest in Xhaka and Xhaka's interest in Chelsea understandably brought concern and fears for the club's upward trajectory. After twelve months of almost unprecedented joy and progress, this felt like it had the potential to represent the resumption of normal service. Instead, Sunderland will return for pre-season training on Wednesday with fans' belief that the club is heading firmly in the right direction only bolstered.

Some may understandably be left a little wary by the saga, their affection for Sunderland's captain and talisman just a little tainted even if the final emotion is relief. This is nevertheless a significant early moment in Sunderland's 2026/27 campaign. A year ago, the Black Cats had started their summer transfer window well and with some eye-catching additions already through the door, but it was Xhaka's decision to commit to the project that really changed things. Sunderland's stature grew, and established top-tier players jumped at the chance to join where previously there had been hesitation. Sunderland's foundations are far stronger now, strong enough to perhaps withstand even Xhaka's departure. His decision to reaffirm his commitment to the club could all the same be another turning point in the club's modern history, marking the start of another campaign where the ambition is not just to survive but to thrive.

Your next Sunderland read: What Eliezer Mayenda sale means for Sunderland's SCR position and the summer transfer window