Leverkusen's Xhaka on flight to Brazil despite reports of transfer
Bundesliga runners-up Bayer Leverkusen flew Granit Xhaka to their training camp in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, despite multiple reports the midfielder is poised to leave the club.
Xhaka was part of the squad flown to Rio de Janeiro for a 10-day training camp, the club announced.
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Multiple German reports have linked Xhaka to a move to Saudi Pro League club Neom SC.
Sky TV said late on Sunday that the 32-year-old Swiss international has "an verbal agreement in principle" with Neom SC. Germany's Bild paper and Kicker sports magazine also reported the Neom interest.
Sky said that Neom have informed Leverkusen of their intentions, with a transfer fee estimated at €6 million ($7 million) for Xhaka, who is under contract at Leverkusen until 2028.
There is no agreement between the clubs yet, but Sky said deciding talks could be held on Monday.
Leverkusen have already lost coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, playmaker Florian Wirtz and right back Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, and centre back Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen have also brought in reinforcements, led by playmaker Malik Tillman who arrived from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
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