‘Too important’ – Erik ten Hag blocks Granit Xhaka’s stunning Premier League return in major transfer twist

Granit Xhaka’s potential move to Sunderland has been thrown into major doubt after Erik ten Hag blocked his exit. The former Manchester United manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, doesn’t want to sell any more stars. Ten Hag has already seen three key players depart this summerGetty And it means Xhaka’s move to Sunderland is now in jeopardyRex Leverkusen have already seen Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong join Liverpool, with Jonathan Tah heading to Bayern. And Ten Hag isn’t keen to let anyone else go, hitting back at recent comments from Xhaka’s agent. The ex-Arsenal midfielder has told the club that he only wants to join Sunderland this summer after being offered a three-year deal. His agent, Jose Noguera, confirmed that an agreement had been reached in principle between his player and the Black Cats. Noguera said Xhaka is ready for an ‘exciting new challenge’ and that he hoped an agreement could now be reached with Leverkusen. But now Ten Hag has spoken about the agent’s quotes and revealed that he won’t be selling the Swiss international. He told reporters at Leverkusen’s pre-season tour in Brazil, as quoted by BILD: “His agent can say whatever he wants. “But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go. “Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here. “It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract. Xhaka’s wishes are looking set to be denied by LeverkusenGetty “He’s too important to us to let him go.” Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has also spoken out about the ongoing talks between Xhaka and Sunderland. Rolfes shared the same stance as Ten Hag, saying: “I have repeatedly said that Granit is an important leader. “The coach and I agree on that. We are in dialogue with all our players. In the end, it’s always a three-party situation. “Granit still has a three-year contract — and in principle, there can only be a change if all three sides agree to it. “Topics like this always cause discussions and conversations. That’s why it doesn’t shock me.” The ex-Arsenal midfielder wants to come back to the Premier LeagueGetty Xhaka’s Premier League return Xhaka is hoping to seal a return to the Premier League, two years after leaving Arsenal for Leverkusen. The former Gunners captain has made over 200 top-flight appearances in England and now wants to come back. It would be a major coup for newly-promoted Sunderland, as they look to bring in the experienced 32-year-old for £8.7m. The Black Cats have already made six summer signings, including Simon Adingra, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra. Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo have also joined the club, while Enzo Le Fee sealed a permanent move after an initial loan spell. Manager Regis Le Bris is now eyeing Xhaka, who would likely have a huge impact on and off the pitch for Sunderland.

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Granit Xhaka’s potential move to Sunderland has been thrown into major doubt after Erik ten Hag blocked his exit.

The former Manchester United manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, doesn’t want to sell any more stars.

Leverkusen have already seen Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong join Liverpool, with Jonathan Tah heading to Bayern.

And Ten Hag isn’t keen to let anyone else go, hitting back at recent comments from Xhaka’s agent.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder has told the club that he only wants to join Sunderland this summer after being offered a three-year deal.

His agent, Jose Noguera, confirmed that an agreement had been reached in principle between his player and the Black Cats.

Noguera said Xhaka is ready for an ‘exciting new challenge’ and that he hoped an agreement could now be reached with Leverkusen.

But now Ten Hag has spoken about the agent’s quotes and revealed that he won’t be selling the Swiss international.

He told reporters at Leverkusen’s pre-season tour in Brazil, as quoted by BILD: “His agent can say whatever he wants.

“But this club has already let three important players go, and we won’t let any more go.

“Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here.

“It’s clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract.

“He’s too important to us to let him go.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has also spoken out about the ongoing talks between Xhaka and Sunderland.

Rolfes shared the same stance as Ten Hag, saying: “I have repeatedly said that Granit is an important leader.

“The coach and I agree on that. We are in dialogue with all our players. In the end, it’s always a three-party situation.

“Granit still has a three-year contract — and in principle, there can only be a change if all three sides agree to it.

“Topics like this always cause discussions and conversations. That’s why it doesn’t shock me.”

Xhaka is hoping to seal a return to the Premier League, two years after leaving Arsenal for Leverkusen.

The former Gunners captain has made over 200 top-flight appearances in England and now wants to come back.

It would be a major coup for newly-promoted Sunderland, as they look to bring in the experienced 32-year-old for £8.7m.

The Black Cats have already made six summer signings, including Simon Adingra, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra.

Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo have also joined the club, while Enzo Le Fee sealed a permanent move after an initial loan spell.

Manager Regis Le Bris is now eyeing Xhaka, who would likely have a huge impact on and off the pitch for Sunderland.