logo
Bayer Leverkusen block Xhaka: ‘No Milan negotiations'

Bayer Leverkusen block Xhaka: ‘No Milan negotiations'

Yahoo25-06-2025
Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes pours cold water over hopes by insisting 'there have never been and will not be any negotiations with Milan for Granit Xhaka.'
The Rossoneri had made it clear the Switzerland international was on their wish list for this summer, as confirmed by director of sport Igli Tare.
Advertisement
However, although there were suggestions Xhaka was open to the transfer and eager to agree personal terms, his club slammed the door firmly shut.
Bayer Leverkusen won't sell Xhaka
MAINZ, GERMANY – MAY 17: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen arrives at the stadium prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at MEWA Arena on May 17, 2025 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by)
In an interview with German site Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen director of sport Rolfes made their position undeniable.
'There have never been and will not be any negotiations with Milan for Granit Xhaka, nor proposals over the price of a transfer.
'Granit is a very important player for us.'
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen reacts at full time during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München at BayArena on March 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by)
It comes after the player's father Ragip confirmed Milan wanted to invest in his talents, also noting he needed the two clubs to 'reach an agreement' first.
There had been reports that the Bundesliga side were prepared to listen for €8-10m, but that no longer seems to be the case.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Matti Schmid, Davis Thompson finishes at Wyndham end one of their seasons
Matti Schmid, Davis Thompson finishes at Wyndham end one of their seasons

NBC Sports

time3 hours ago

  • NBC Sports

Matti Schmid, Davis Thompson finishes at Wyndham end one of their seasons

For those around the FedExCup playoff bubble Sunday at the Wyndham Championship, it was all about how you finished. Matti Schmid closed strong. Davis Thompson and Gary Woodland, however, did not. Only one of them will be competing in Memphis next week. Schmid entered the week's regular-season finale in Greensboro, North Carolina, at No. 70 in points, right on the bubble for qualifying for the 70-man FedEx St. Jude Championship. He capped his tournament at Sedgefield Country Club with birdies on each of his final three holes, his final one, from 25 feet at the par-4 18th, proving the difference in the 27-year-old German extending his season. 'I obviously didn't play too well today,' said Schmid, who was 4 over through 15 holes and shot 71 in the final round. 'I struggled a bit with my game but hung in there, and putts finally started to drop toward the end. Yeah, just grinded out. I was pretty positive today trying to have a good finish. 'Yeah, maybe with a bit of luck.' Schmid avoided joining Ben An as the only players to fall out of the playoff field. An missed the cut and fell from No. 69 to No. 74 in points. The first man out of Memphis was Thompson, who started the week No. 78 and had pushed as high as No. 67 in points during Sunday's final round, during which he drained a 47-foot birdie putt at No. 15 to move back inside the number for the final time. But a three-putt for bogey from 46 feet at No. 18 knock him outside the top 70 while moving Schmid back in. As Thompson prepared to his a 6-footer for par, CBS announcer Jim Nantz was on the call: 'Oh boy, 6 feet for everything.' Thompson's ball missed left, not even touching the hole. 'That was a pretty big pull,' added analyst Trevor Immelman. 'Set up right edge and started left edge. … That stings.' Gary Woodland was also hoping to jump inside the top 70, from No. 75, where he teed off Thursday. While Woodland birdied Nos. 15 and 17, he also bogeyed Nos. 14, 16 and 18 to end up No. 72 in points. Chris Kirk was the only player to move inside the top 70 this week. He rose from No. 73 to No. 61 with a T-5 finish. Kirk went bogey-free on Sunday as part of his 2-under 68, though he also carded just two birdies, which came in his first five holes. 'Was a lot more nervous than I normally would have been,' Kirk said. 'I knew I was in great position to have a good week and move on to next week, but there's the pressure of that and then also trying to not try to think forward too much but try to get yourself in position to possibly make it to the BMW. 'Didn't quite get as many points as I would have liked, but overall, very happy with my game.'

Florian Wirtz Growing Connections with Liverpool Squad on and off Pitch
Florian Wirtz Growing Connections with Liverpool Squad on and off Pitch

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Florian Wirtz Growing Connections with Liverpool Squad on and off Pitch

Wirtz Settling Fast as Liverpool Teammates Welcome New Star to Anfield Life Wirtz Embracing New Chapter with Familiar Faces For Florian Wirtz, the shift from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool is more than just a move between clubs. It marks a new chapter in a career already blessed with maturity, craft and flair. And yet, the German playmaker has landed in Merseyside not only with his talent intact, but with the comfort of friendship too. Liverpool's pre-season tour in the Far East has offered more than tactical preparations and physical fine-tuning. For Wirtz, it has been a chance to connect, adapt and settle. While the cityscapes of Tokyo offered distraction, the real focus was on forming bonds with new teammates, something Wirtz appears to be achieving with ease. His integration into Arne Slot's squad has been eased by the arrival of fellow former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong. The pair, already close, featured in LFCTV's 'Bezzies' segment, demonstrating a natural chemistry that often takes years to form, not weeks. 'Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong is also a good friend. Amine Adli, from Leverkusen,' Wirtz said when asked by Pro:Direct Soccer to name his three closest friends in football. Frimpong, of course, made the cut. The familiarity, the understanding, the shared memories from their Bundesliga days, all now carried into Liverpool red. Photo: IMAGO Connections Building Beyond Leverkusen Ties Wirtz is not limiting his integration to familiar faces. His time in Tokyo has seen him engaging with a broader spectrum of Liverpool's first-team squad. Pictured exploring the city with Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konaté, Curtis Jones and the club's quartet of Dutch players, Wirtz seems as comfortable with his new surroundings as he is with a ball at his feet. The on-field chemistry is beginning to take shape too. In the friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos, Wirtz opened his Liverpool account, converting a pass from none other than Curtis Jones. The two midfielders linked neatly in the build-up and the moment was a small but telling sign of things to come. Wirtz would later praise Jones on Instagram, suggesting a friendship may be blossoming. While his core friendships remain rooted in Leverkusen, there is every sign that Curtis Jones, Liverpool through and through, could soon be added to that trusted circle. Liverpool Benefit from Quick Adaptation Pre-season is often underestimated in its value beyond fitness. It provides a canvas for new signings to immerse themselves in the culture of the club. For Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's decision to tour Asia has offered the perfect backdrop. City walks and dressing room banter, shared laughs and assists, all contribute to a sense of belonging that will matter when the real pressure returns. Slot's system, still being fine-tuned, will rely heavily on players who not only understand each other tactically but who trust each other as teammates. Wirtz is already showing he is more than capable of operating within that framework. With Frimpong nearby and Jones perhaps emerging as another key ally, Liverpool have reason to be excited. Potential Friendships Reflect Collective Strength The strongest sides are those built not only on talent, but on harmony. Wirtz's early weeks in red suggest he is a natural fit, both in terms of technical quality and character. He has always had the intelligence to dictate games, but now he is forming the bonds that allow creativity to thrive. With a Premier League title already secured under Slot and more silverware in sight, Liverpool have laid a strong foundation. And in Florian Wirtz, they have a player whose journey may just be beginning, surrounded by teammates who feel more like friends.

Report – Next 48 Hours Crucial In Inter Milan Ademola Lookman Transfer Soap Opera
Report – Next 48 Hours Crucial In Inter Milan Ademola Lookman Transfer Soap Opera

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Report – Next 48 Hours Crucial In Inter Milan Ademola Lookman Transfer Soap Opera

The next 48 hours will reportedly be crucial in the transfer soap opera concerning Inter Milan's efforts to sign Ademola Lookman. This according to Italian outlet They report that the Nerazzurri will decide whether to keep pushing to sign the Nigerian or move on to a different target. In another bombshell in what has become a full-blown transfer soap opera, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman made a public statement in which he handed in a transfer request. The 27-year-old accused his club of breaking a promise to sell him. He further described 'poor treatment' due to La Dea's refusals to sanction a transfer. This after Atalanta had rejected two offers from Inter to sign Lookman. The second of which reached €45 million including add-ons. Next 48 Hours Crucial In Inter Ademola Lookman Transfer Soap Opera MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 20: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) Lookman's previous gesture of removing all mentions of Atalanta from his social media accounts was not exactly subtle. But the former RB Leipzig forward has now taken things to another level. Lookman is extremely publicly pushing to leave Atalanta. And this could be the leverage Inter need. Therefore, the Nerazzurri are going to continue to push for Lookman's signature. However, according to Inter won't wait forever. On the contrary. The outlet report that the next 48 hours will be crucial for Inter. The Nerazzurri will assess the situation, and what impact Lookman's outburst has had on Atalanta. Then, they will decide whether to keep pressing for the transfer, or move on and change their strategy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store