Juventus are Chasing Xhaka but Sunderland Won’t Let Him Go
Granit Xhaka has quickly become one of Sunderland’s most important players, so news of Juventus targeting him in January has shocked many fans. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.

The Swiss midfielder only joined the Black Cats six months ago, yet his performances in the Premier League have made him a prime candidate for big European clubs. Italian reports claim Juve see him as “back in fashion,” and his representatives are said to be open to listening to Champions League-level interest.
Xhaka has been a driving force in Sunderland’s stunning start to the season. He has played every minute so far, guiding the newly promoted side to fourth place and proving himself a leader on and off the pitch. His goal and three assists show his value, but his influence goes far beyond numbers. For Sunderland, he has become the heartbeat of the team.
Despite the noise from Italy, Sunderland insist their captain is not for sale. In England, the message is clear: Xhaka is happy, motivated, and central to the club’s long-term plans. Still, transfer rumours tend to grow fast once a giant like Juventus shows interest.
Why Juventus Want Him Now
Juventus’ revived interest comes from a real need for experience in midfield. Their top targets for January are either too expensive or unavailable, and Xhaka offers something they badly lack: leadership, consistency, and immediate impact. At 33, he may not be a long-term signing, but his form suggests he can still deliver at the highest level.
The Italian giants are preparing to shift into a 4-3-3 system, and Xhaka fits the profile perfectly. His calm passing, intelligence, and ability to control tempo make him an ideal short-term solution. Juventus reportedly believe he offers the best value for money, even if acquiring him would cost more than the fee Sunderland paid in the summer.
Another factor driving their interest is Xhaka’s quick adaptation to Premier League life. Juventus view this as proof that he can slot into Serie A without delay, giving them exactly the reliability they want in the second half of the season.
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Speculation vs. Sunderland’s Reality

Italian media claim Xhaka’s entourage has quietly tested the market, using his strong start to spark conversations with elite clubs. Reports even suggest Sunderland may not shut the door completely if the player wants the move. This has created a tense mix of speculation, even though none of this aligns with what is being said in England.
Sky Sports reports that Xhaka is “very happy” at Sunderland and not exploring an exit. The club also insists he is not for sale, reinforcing the idea that he remains part of their Premier League vision. With Sunderland pushing for a top-half finish, losing their captain mid-season would be a huge blow. For now, much of the noise appears driven from abroad rather than Wearside.
Eyes Forward: Fulham, Form, and the Future
As Sunderland prepare to face Fulham after the international break, Xhaka remains the centrepiece of their plans. His leadership, passing range, and big-game mentality have become essential as the club aims to continue their excellent Premier League run. Removing him in January would leave a gap almost impossible to fill.
They may revisit the idea depending on how their own season progresses and whether Xhaka shows interest in a new challenge. But the most likely scenario is that January brings more rumours than action. Unless Xhaka himself pushes for a transfer, Sunderland appear ready to hold firm.
For now, his focus is on maintaining momentum, guiding Sunderland through a crucial stretch, and proving once again why he has become one of the Premier League’s most influential mid-season signings. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.