Dean McDonald says…
Huge news.
In my opinion, he needs to make a statement after the World Cup to try and mend some bridges but a couple of good performances and the majority will forget all about it.
It also goes to show the influence that people like Fabrizio Romano have. If talks with Xhaka have managed to convince him to stay, he was never as desperate for the move as Fab made out.
Just another example of why this type of thing needs to be stopped.
Gary Winter says…
Let’s all breath a huge sigh of relief!
Whilst we had kind of come round
to the inevitably of seeing him leave and what would be required, we had no idea who could possibly fill that void. It was probably a similar thought for those running the club, too.
However, Xhaka has seen sense, giving everyone at the club a huge boost and I’d say this could be a resounding endorsement of the project as well as our collective ambition as he sends a message to the footballing world which includes any future transfer targets.
If his speech on the final day and this decision are anything to go by, after a few nervy days, this is hopefully just the start of a new chapter of our beautiful friendship with our captain continuing to enjoy the wonderful Indian summer of his career — just like another huge figure in the club’s history, a certain Niall Quinn.
Here’s to the magic carpet ride with Xhaka.
Ian Bendelow says…
Will Ferrell, Sir Michael Caine, Ken Bates, Gordon Ramsay, Bryan Adams, Damon Albarn, Emma Watson, Todd Boehly, John Terry, Lil’ Wayne, Stormzy, Sir John Major, Lord Sebastian Coe, Fabrizio Romano….
Can you hear me, Fabrizio Romano? Your boys have taken one hell of a beating!
Joe says…
A erfect outcome given the year ahead and no obvious replacement or plan B. I’ll get over him wanting the move if his performances are maintained, and I’m sure many others will too.
A few words from him sillying the previous rumours wouldn’t go amiss, but are very unlikely.
I think a replacement planning has to be high on the agenda this summer and well done to anyone in the room for standing strong in early negotiations.
John Wilson says…
On a human level, I couldn’t accept it was going to happen.
We’ve all seen his interviews, where he’s shown absolute alignment and a feeling of “being home” at Sunderland.
He’s cried tears in front of camera relating his childhood and how it was roght for him to be on Wearside. He had to convince his wife to leave Germany as she’d previously had had enough of London.
None of it made sense and I’m on record as saying that if he’d gone, I would never believe a single word that any footballer ever uttered again, so a huge relief for me to have some faith in human nature left!
He must have his own reasons for not coming out and saying “no” right at the start. Maybe he was checking on how much we want him to stay or maybe he was testing Chelsea’s resolve. We may find out, but he deserves our backing in spades.
Bring on the new season. “This is home — Haway the lads!”
Mark Ryan says…
I’ve been waiting on last year’s kit with ‘Xhaka’ on the back for two months. I’d resigned myself to it being a very bittersweet delivery, but had decided it would be a great reminder of how wonderful last season was.
With the news that he’s returning, that’s what I’m hanging onto.
Even if he’d left, that wouldn’t mean last season never happened. Now that he’s back, there’s an opportunity for him to build on his legacy instead of leaving it truncated.
As fans, we need to move on.
Anyone saying they wouldn’t listen to offers like Xhaka probably got is lying and the only reason any of us are more “loyal” to our employers than a professional athlete is a lack of opportunity.
Matthew Donne says…
At the end of the day, it’s fantastic news that Xhaka is staying.
I know fans are going to have differing views on what his intentions have been and whether he’s been pushing this behind the scenes but regardless of what actually happened, it seems that “being a grown up” has prevailed.
If he’s committing to us after seeking a move elsewhere, fine! It’s like someone being in a job they like but applying for their dream job and not getting it. As long as he’s going to go ‘business as usual’, it works for all parties.
Naturally, due to his age, succession planning must be in place and with this slight waver in commitment, maybe this process should be expedited.
Max says…
It’s great news that Xhaka has decided to stay.
In what’s a massive transfer window for the club, replacing the talisman and captain would’ve added such a complexity, which we didn’t need.
While I’m quite sceptical about how he has went about the situation, we’ll likely never know the true extent of what happened, and to be honest, I’m OK with that.
It might take a few games to get me singing his name again, but knowing Xhaka, his performances will make it extremely hard to stay silent!
Very glad the whole thing seems to be over and I’m looking forward to seeing him back at the Academy of Light, whenever that is.
Owen Sara says…
100% it’s left a sour taste in the mouth and it’s never going to feel the same when watching Xhaka.
It almost seemed otherworldly every time he stepped onto the pitch. That feeling has now been lost and despite the reports, I still think he wanted the move and for me, he’s only committed to us out of necessity rather than want.
I think this is also the issue when players have people do everything for them — they never tend to comment on anything, and he’s ample opportunities to come out and say he wasn’t going anywhere.
Wadey says…
And IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII, will always love yoooooooouuu!
I’m so pleased the speculation is over and that Xhaka is staying on Wearside.
His football talent is unquestioned and the difference he makes when in the side is obvious. The difference he makes as a leader and influence to the other players is just as important both on and off the pitch.
I couldn’t be happier. I for one hold no grudge against him and he has my full support now he’s fully committed for next season.
We’ve (still) got Granit Xhaka, we’ve (still) got Granit Xhaka!
Will Patterson says…
Overall, buzzing.
There’s a number of intangibles that Xhaka brings that would’ve been very difficult to replace. But for me, I think his importance to the club has maybe overblown the situation.
By the sounds of it, Alonso fancied him for Chelsea and approached Xhaka, who said he wouldn’t mind the move.
They made a bid, which was rejected and then were quoted a price tag they weren’t going pay. We’ve spoken to our skipper and he’s happy to stay. End of story.
I can understand it from his perspective. I wouldn’t mind Margot Robbie being my missus but my boss won’t give me the annual leave for Cannes Film Festival and I probably couldn’t deal with the pressure.
Like he did last summer by joining, Xhaka staying will prove a big factor in the players we can attract. Let’s move on and get behind him and the rest of the Lads.
