Tbf it is close really. All the clubs need to do is negotiate a fee and that’s what they are meant to be doing today. Player side is all agreed
Rolfes, the sporting director, as in the decision maker, openly said last week he may leave. No manager makes these decisions. If Xhaka has gone so far as to convincing his missus to move, then he will get the move. The woman is the gatekeeper. We all know that, whether we like to admit it or not
Sunderland are close to completing a deal to sign Granit Xhaka. His agent has told Sky the midfielder has reached an agreement with #SAFC on personal terms. Sunderland are in advanced talks over a permanent three-year transfer. I was told last night after the friendly against Sporting Lisbon that the club were waiting for the green light on signing a player — Xhaka is clearly that man! This would be a huge coup for Sunderland if they can agree the fee with Bayer Leverkusen. After @David_Ornstein ✍
I don’t think we will agree a fee until August some time. It will drag as they try to milk us for as much as they can
I would 100% pay 15-20m especially after he’s shown how much he wants the move. A player of his quality and experience could be the difference.
Depends really how much they respect Xhaka. He's asked for it to be sorted rapidly. If they respect him we will be negotiating as we speak which has been reported. If they don’t then. Will drag on a lot longer. who knows maybe we will pay close to what they want soon now he’s shown he wants to come
Havent we been here before with the fee on Xhaka? Feels like groundhog day. And to be fair to Ten Hag, he hasnt said anything wrong. I dard say if the agent of one of ours put this in the media in the way he has we would applaud a hard line response. If we want him we are going to have to pay more than we would like. That is my sense of it. Leverkuesen cant be in need of the money.
For the sake of a week or two I’d personally be patient and hold firm at our best offer. They’re going to have to sell him to us now. We know that. They know that. They’ll be trying to milk us. We should be in no rush to throw a few extra million at them for the sake of a week or two of waiting. Hes professional enough to keep in good shape during their pre season and will settle here easily.
I don't suppose it has occured to Ten Hag that him being the manager is why players want to leave. The bloke is an out and out con man.