Report: Leverkusen's Xhaka reaches agreement with Sunderland
According to the report, the 32-year-old is prioritizing a move to Sunderland over other suitors, but club-to-club over a deal for the Swiss midfielder are still underway.
Xhaka has a contract with Leverkusen until 2028, but The Athletic said that he has asked the club to close the proposed transfer rapidly.
Speaking to broadcaster Sky, his agent, José Noguera said: "We have reached an agreement with Sunderland. Granit wants to return to the Premier League.
"Sunderland appeals to him and he wants to accept this challenge. We hope that Leverkusen will agree to his transfer request and that the clubs will reach an agreement soon."
The Arsenal player has played a key role for Leverkusen across his two seasons at the Bundesliga side, helping them claim the Bundesliga and German Cup titles in the unbeaten 2023-24 season.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
£34.9m Liverpool Transfer Target Rejects Everton
Malick Fofana Transfer Update: Belgian Star Rejects Everton Amid Champions League Ambitions Malick Fofana, one of Belgium's brightest young attacking prospects, appears to be setting his sights far higher than a move to Goodison Park. The 20-year-old had an excellent season for Lyon in Ligue 1, registering 11 goals and five assists, and that form has naturally attracted attention across Europe. While Premier League clubs have been circling, the former KAA Gent academy talent seems in no rush to make a decision based on who knocks first. Everton were the first to act decisively, with reports from Fabrizio Romano confirming the Toffees are 'in advanced talks' with Lyon, offering a package worth around €36 million including bonuses. Lyon, however, are holding out for a guaranteed €40 million. But according to respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, 'Malick Fofana has other plans than joining Everton Football Club. As told yesterday, the Belgian Red Devil knows some teams playing Champions League that are waiting to make room in the squad are interested in him.' Champions League Clubs Hold the Key Fofana's ambitions are clear: he wants a club playing at the highest level of European football. Despite Everton's determination and financial push, it's a sporting project Fofana is prioritising. Liverpool had reportedly opened talks with the player's representatives earlier this month, as reported by Le'Equipe. The Reds are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million. The interest in Fofana appears to be genuine, even if not yet advanced. Other suitors reportedly include Bayern themselves and clubs from Italy and Spain, all watching the situation develop as they balance their current squads and financial restrictions. Not Just About Money Fofana has also turned down Nottingham Forest, signalling that his next destination must match his trajectory and aspirations. His intent is not merely a move to the Premier League but a step towards elite competition. While Lyon are open to selling, they won't accept anything below their valuation. It's a deal that will require the right mix of finances, sporting prestige and vision. Liverpool's Interest Still Active Liverpool's scouting network has been diligent this summer, with Arne Slot aiming to build on last season's title-winning success. Fofana fits the age profile and stylistic mould Liverpool have often pursued in recent windows. His acceleration, directness and sharp end product would certainly add depth to Slot's frontline. However, patience will be crucial. Clubs in the Champions League are still adjusting their squads, and the real movement could come once a domino falls. If Liverpool decide to accelerate their interest, they may still be able to position themselves favourably. But as it stands, no agreement is imminent. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Fofana's stance is actually reassuring. This is a player who knows what he wants. Turning down Premier League clubs like Everton and Forest because they don't offer Champions League football suggests he's focused on legacy, not just wages. With Luis Diaz now officially a Bayern Munich player, there's a clear need to fill that void. Fofana, with his ability to operate on either flank, sharp movement and age profile, fits what Arne Slot might be looking for. But given Slot's reputation for tactical cohesion and discipline, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool push for a player who is still relatively raw at 20, even if the ceiling is sky high. Slot's Premier League title win in his debut campaign gives him both credit in the bank and a foundation to attract top talent. If Fofana truly wants to play Champions League football and develop under a progressive manager, Liverpool ticks every box. However, it's worth remembering that the tragic loss of Diogo Jota this summer has created both an emotional and tactical gap. The club may prioritise someone with a bit more experience to step into that role immediately. Fofana feels like a longer-term project, albeit one with immense potential. If Liverpool are in the race, it won't be to simply make up numbers. Keep an eye on this one.
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jubilant scenes as Lionesses keep Euros dream alive with second-half equaliser
Jubilant scenes erupted in fan zones across the country as England kept their Euros dream alive with a second-half equaliser in the final. Arsenal striker Alessia Russo rose highest to divert Chloe Kelly's cross past Cata Coll in the Spanish goal in the 57th minute – sending Lionesses supporters into raptures. England fans had watched on nervously as they once again found themselves behind in a crucial Euros tie. Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. A nervous atmosphere transformed into a jubilant one at Boxpark Croydon as Russo's header found the net, with England flags being waved and supporters hugging each other during the celebrations. At the final whistle, fans of the Lionesses appeared confident as they started dancing and cheering as the match went into extra time. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fan zones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' Lionesses fans stood on their feet while some children said 'come on England' after Russo's header put England on level terms. The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor returns to practice as Chiefs put pads on for first time in training camp
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor made his training camp debut after missing their first four practices because of a knee injury, and he was right in the mix with the starters Sunday as they put on pads for the first time. Backup tight end Tre Watson, who also had been out with a groin injury, passed his physical and joined Taylor on the field. Taylor has started all 33 regular-season games he has played for Kansas City over the past two seasons. But his blocking metrics coupled with a propensity for penalties mean his job is far from secure. The Chiefs signed backup 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal and used their first-round draft pick on Ohio State standout Josh Simmons. After the first week of camp, Simmons appears to have the inside track on the left tackle job, which was a problem position for the Chiefs all of last season. So when Taylor returned, it was in a rotation with Moore for first-team snaps on Sunday. 'We're getting back in the swing. He hasn't done anything," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Taylor, who showed up on the injury report with knee trouble much of last season and had offseason surgery. 'But all three are kind of competing there.' Reid said he was pleased with the way Simmons looked in his first padded practice. There was some question about whether he would even be ready for camp after tearing his patellar tendon in a game with the Buckeyes last season. 'He did some good things. I wasn't focusing on him the whole time, but I thought he did some good things,' Reid said. 'He's a work in progress. He has to keep working. Young guy.' Meanwhile, Reid said cornerback Kristian Fulton had a procedure to 'clean out' his knee in the spring, which is why he remains on the physically unable to perform list. The Chiefs gave him a two-year, $20 million deal in March. Rookie tight end Jake Briningstool also did not practice Sunday because of a hamstring injury. ___ AP NFL: Dave Skretta, The Associated Press