Granit Xhaka is a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen and the Bundesliga side it cannot afford to let the Swiss midfielder leave, manager Erik ten Hag said in the midst of reports that connect him with a move to Sunderland.
Leverkusen have already lost playmaker Florian Wirtz and defender Jeremie Frimpong from Premier League champions Liverpool, while Center Back Jonathan Tah has moved to Bayern Munich.
Former Arsenal-Man Xhaka has been associated with a move to Sunderland, in which his agent tells the German media that the 32-year-old Switzerland skipper has in principle an agreement with the newly promoted Premier League club.
“The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players,” Ten Hag told the German media on Tuesday.
“We will no longer let players go, that is not possible. That would neglect the structure and the culture of the team.
“It is clear – Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years on his contract. He is too important for us to let him go.”
Xhaka helped Leverkusen to secure the double in the 2023-24 season when they took their first Bundesliga title without losing a match, won the German cup and reached the Europa League final.
He has made 99 performances for Leverkusen, scored six goals and records nine assists.
Former Manchester United manager Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso in May after the Spaniard had left to manage his former club Real Madrid.