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Sunderlandâs Key Man Targeted By Super Lig Giants: Should The Club Fight To Keep Their Captain?
TL;DR
Sunderland's captain Granit Xhaka is being targeted by Turkish club Besiktas as they seek a defensive midfielder. Xhaka, contracted until June 2028, has shown interest in a potential move to Istanbul.
Key points
- Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka targeted by Besiktas
- Xhaka is contracted until June 2028
- Besiktas seeking a defensive midfielder
- Wilfred Ndidi's future at risk
- Xhaka showing interest in life in Istanbul
SunderlandBesiktasNottingham ForestBayer Leverkusen
Sunderlandâs Key Man Targeted By Super Lig Giants: Should The Club Fight To Keep Their Captain?
Sunderland could lose their captain to Turkish giants Besiktas this summer, according to a report from Turkish outlet Fotomac. The Istanbul club are actively searching for a defensive central midfielder ahead of the 2026/27 season, largely because the future of Wilfred Ndidi remains uncertain following his post-Leicester City spell. Because of this, Besiktas have placed Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka on their agenda as a potential replacement.
Sunderland could lose their captain, Granit Xhaka
The 33-year-old Swiss international, who joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and is contracted until June 2028, has reportedly been researching life in Istanbul and showing genuine curiosity about the Super Lig. Nottingham Forestâs Ibrahim SangarĂ© is also a target, though Besiktas may find him financially out of reach at 28.
Recent tax legislation in Turkish football has made the country increasingly attractive to top players, a dynamic that helped Galatasaray land Victor Osimhen and . Club president Serdal Adalı and manager Sergen Yalçın are set to meet and evaluate whether to push a formal approach for Xhaka. Even so, Turkish media consistently over-promise on transfer interest, so caution applies here.
Q&A
Why is Besiktas interested in Granit Xhaka from Sunderland?
Besiktas is looking for a defensive central midfielder due to uncertainty surrounding Wilfred Ndidi's future, making Xhaka a potential replacement.
What is Granit Xhaka's current contract situation with Sunderland?
Granit Xhaka is contracted with Sunderland until June 2028, having joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
What other players are Besiktas considering besides Granit Xhaka?
In addition to Granit Xhaka, Besiktas is also targeting Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangaré, although his financial demands may be too high.
