Granit Xhaka will remain at Sunderland after the club rejected an £8m offer from Chelsea last Sunday, Sky Sports News can exclusively reveal.

The Black Cats made their position clear from the outset — Xhaka was not available for transfer. The Switzerland international, who turned 33 this year, was central to Sunderland's strong debut season back in the Premier League and will continue in that role.

Xhaka had been drawn to the possibility of reuniting with Xabi Alonso, who recently took charge at Chelsea after their time together at Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder was open to hearing more about the opportunity. However, following conversations with the Sunderland hierarchy, he has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and confirmed he wants to stay on Wearside.

Europa League ambitions prove decisive

Two factors are understood to have been critical in Xhaka's decision to remain. The first is the chance to captain Sunderland in the UEFA Europa League next season — a significant stage for a club still building its identity in elite football. The second is the club's broader long-term project, which has clearly captured his belief.

Beyond sporting ambition, Xhaka's bond with the Sunderland fanbase and the connection he has forged with the club over the past year also weighed heavily in his thinking. That relationship, sources indicate, was no small consideration.

Sunderland view their captain as indispensable — a leader both in the dressing room and on the pitch — and are looking to him to play a central role in what promises to be an ambitious campaign.

The former Arsenal midfielder joined Sunderland for £13m last summer and still has two years remaining on his contract, giving the club firm ground to stand on in any future transfer interest.