Dan Neil future hangs in balance after Granit Xhaka news at Sunderland
Sunderland are undergoing a remarkable transformation this summer ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League return.
The Black Cats have spent over £100million already, with Habib Diarra Sunderland’s most expensive ever transfer.
However, the most eye-catching deal of the window would arguably be for former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.
Furthermore, the arrival of the Swiss international could push Dan Neil further away at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland eye Xhaka amid Neil uncertainty
Sunderland have offered Xhaka a three-year contract in a deal worth around £8.5million.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance at Bayer Leverkusen, where he lifted the German club’s first-ever Bundesliga title.
Xhaka has been a regular for Leverkusen and made 33 league appearances last season, but has been linked with a move away from Germany.
| Granit Xhaka’s 2024/25 Bundesliga statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Touches | 94.5 |
| Accurate passes | 75.8 (91%) |
| Big chances created | 7 |
Sunderland have a genuine interest in Xhaka and are plotting an ambitious move for the midfielder, according to Keith Downie (16 July).
The Sky Sports journalist confirms that the Black Cats are exploring the possibility of signing the Swiss international this window.
While the Wearsiders were strongly linked with a move for Jordan Henderson, he has since signed for Brentford.
With Sunderland moving for Xhaka, it effectively casts Neil’s immediate future into doubt.
Neil captained the North East club last season, but now faces increased competition with his contract up in a year.
Neil has interest as Black Cats contract runs down
Sunderland’s captain currently has a year remaining on his current deal at the Stadium of Light.
Questions were raised during the latter part of last season regarding the 23-year-old’s future, which Kristjaan Speakman answered.
The Black Cats’ director of football said that the central midfielder’s contract talks were on hold until the end of the season, with the Wearsiders pushing for promotion.
West Ham and Everton have both been credited with interest in Neil, and he could be considering his options.
While Speakman has spoken about plans to reopen contract talks, there has yet to be any news.
Neil’s future is certainly one to watch, especially if Sunderland secure the signing of Xhaka.
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