Latest news with #Bayer Leverkusen
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Sunderland hold interest in signing Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka
Sunderland hold an interest in signing Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder has played a key role for Leverkusen across his two seasons at the Bundesliga side, making 99 appearances and helping the club to the first Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in 2023-24. Advertisement Xhaka's Leverkusen contract runs through to 2028 and he is also the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia. The Switzerland captain previously spent seven years at Arsenal, where he made 297 appearances and won the FA Cup in 2016-17 and 2019-20 Newly-promoted Sunderland have been active in the transfer market this summer and have already signed six players, including making midfielder Enzo Le Fee's loan move permanent. The newly-promoted club have also signed central midfielder Habib Diarra, wingers Simon Adringra and Chemsdine Talbi, full-back Reinildo and the versatile Noah Sadiki. Diarra and Sadiki will give Sunderland depth in central midfield positions but they are also keen to add Xhaka following the sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer. Xhaka would become the latest high profile exit from Leverkusen this summer, after Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool in a club record €136.3million (£116m) transfer, while Jeremie Frimpong also departed for Anfield after the Premier League champions activated his €35million (£29.6m;$39.3m) release clause. Erik ten Hag was appointed Leverkusen's new head coach earlier this summer, succeeding Xabi Alonso following the Spaniard's move to Real Madrid. ()
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Leverkusen's Xhaka on flight to Brazil despite reports of transfer
Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at BayArena. Xhaka could be the latest player to leave Bundesliga runners-up Bayer Leverkusen, according to multiple German reports. Federico Gambarini/dpa 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. Advertisement 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.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jean-Philippe Mateta emerges as top target for AC Milan
AC Milan have made Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta a top target this summer, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri. Following a disappointing season in Serie A, the Rossoneri are working on rebuilding their squad ahead of the new campaign. Advertisement The club has already been linked with several forwards, including Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface. However, Mateta has moved up their list. Milan have contacted the striker's representatives to explore the possibility of a move. Mateta would offer Milan something different Mateta's camp are pushing Palace to consider letting him leave this summer. The French striker enjoyed his best season in English football under Oliver Glasner last term. He finished the campaign with 17 goals and four assists across all competitions. Mateta has developed well with Palace. Glasner's system has given him the freedom to play to his strengths and improve his overall game. Advertisement The forward is renowned for his strength, ability to hold off defenders, and clever movement around the box. His finishing has also improved significantly. Milan are impressed with his progress and believe he could bring a new edge to their forward line. The Serie A giants are seriously exploring the chance to bring him to the San Siro. They think he can offer physical presence, goals and a different attack style. Although the deal is still in the early stages, Milan's interest is concrete. With the striker keen on a new challenge, and his camp putting pressure on Palace, the situation could develop quickly.
