Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as Neom SC were interested in the Switzerland international.
However, Neom are reportedly not willing to pay more than €8m ($9.3m) for the 32-year-old midfielder, but considering Bayer Leverkusen want more, Neom have given up.
Xhaka is weighing his options and reportedly hasn’t ruled out staying at Leverkusen for another season.
But recent reports via Sacha Tavolieri suggest that Xhaka could be returning to the Premier League as newly-promoted Sunderland have shown interest in him.
Apart from Sunderland and Neom, AC Milan were also interested in the veteran midfielder as Massimiliano Allegri wanted him to be a big part of his rebuild.
But Leverkusen’s high asking price meant that Milan had to look elsewhere, especially after they signed Luka Modric and Samuelle Ricci.
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Where could Granit Xhaka end up this summer?
Sunderland are keen to sign Xhaka as they value his Premier League experience and believe that he could be their short-term replacement for Jobe Bellingham.
The young midfielder moved to Borussia Dortmund this summer only after helping Sunderland get promoted to the English top flight.
Interestingly, Fenerbahce are also looking at him with great interest as manager Jose Mourinho values his leadership and quality in the middle of the park.
However, there’s a big possibility for the Switzerland international to stay in Leverkusen as his current contract runs until 2028, and they are in no hurry to sell him.
Xhaka will carefully evaluate his options and is expected to decide in the coming weeks.
Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of the 32-year-old and is eager to build a team around him so he may eventually stay in Germany.
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