{
  "id": 6977248,
  "title": "EPL: Why I rejected Chelsea under Alonso – Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/epl-why-i-rejected-chelsea-under-alonso-sunderland-midfielder-granit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T19:03:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/12/epl-why-i-rejected-chelsea-under-alonso-sunderland-midfielder-granit-xhaka/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed why he turned down the opportunity to join Chelsea under manager Xabi Alonso during the summer transfer window. The 34-year-old Swiss international, who previously worked with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, where they secured the Bundesliga title, was approached by Chelsea due to his connection with the manager. Despite the interest, Xhaka chose to stay loyal to Sunderland. During an interview on The Sports Agents podcast, Xhaka expressed his desire to continue his European football experience with his current club. He revealed that he had expressed his thoughts to the Sunderland owner from the beginning, stating that he did not feel the project was complete at that point. Xhaka emphasized that his motivation for staying at Sunderland was to reach the next stage in his career, and he appreciated the privilege of being considered by Chelsea, a renowned football club, despite his age.",
  "summary": "Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has explained why he rejected the chance to join Chelsea under their manager Xabi Alonso during the summer transfer window. Xhaka worked with Alonso during their time at Bayer Leverkusen, and they won the Bundesliga title. Chelsea was interested in bringing the Switzerland international to Stamford Bridge to reunite with Alonso. […] EPL: Why I rejected Chelsea…",
  "key_points": [
    "Granit Xhaka rejected Chelsea offer under Alonso.",
    "34-year-old Swiss international preferred Sunderland.",
    "Xhaka aimed to continue European football with Sunderland."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}