On Wednesday, foreign media claimed that Bayer Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag said Granit Xhaka is too crucial for the club and they cannot afford to lose him to Sunderland.
Leverkusen have lost forward Florian Wirtz and defender Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool and centre back Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich. After joining Leverkusen from Arsenal, Granit Xhaka’s representative told German media that the 32-year-old had an agreement in principle with Sunderland.
Erik Ten Hag said agents can say anything, but the club cannot let go anyone after losing three key players.
“The agent can say anything. This club lost three key players “Ten Hag stated.
We cannot release more players. That would ignore squad organisation and culture. No doubt, Granit is a leader. He’s signed for five years and has three left. His importance is too great to lose.” Xhaka helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Europa League in 2023-24.
He had six goals and nine assists in 99 Leverkusen outings. In May, Xabi Alonso left to lead Real Madrid, and Ten Hag became Leverkusen coach.
