A series of discussions between the two clubs have so far failed to result in an agreement over a deal for Xhaka, who has expressed a desire to return to England and play at the Stadium of Light.
The financial packages Sunderland have proposed for the 32-year-old midfielder have not come close to meeting Leverkusen’s demands, and the Bundesliga club have instructed the Black Cats to return with an acceptable offer before the end of the week, otherwise they will call off talks for the rest of the summer.
The Leverkusen hierarchy have consistently stated that they will not allow Xhaka to leave for less than €20m, although there is understood to be a degree of flexibility over what proportion of that final fee is dependent on performance-related add-ons and how much is paid in an upfront payment.
“A decision will be made this week,” said Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, in an interview quoted in the German media. “Granit’s side is aware of the conditions under which a transfer is possible. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll stay.”
Erik ten Hag has spelled out his desire to keep Xhaka, and the Leverkusen boss named the Swiss international in his starting line-up for yesterday’s friendly win over Bochum.
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Ten Hag has already lost a host of key players this summer, with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong having joined Liverpool and star defender Jonathan Tah having left for Bayern Munich, and the former Manchester United is desperate to retain Xhaka because of his leadership qualities and reliability.
The Leverkusen hierarchy have listened to ten Hag’s concerns, but remain willing to sell Xhaka, who is contracted to his current employers until the summer of 2028, if their demands are met.
Sunderland are willing to offer Xhaka a three-year deal on Wearside, with Regis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman regarding the former Arsenal skipper as a hugely-attractive midfield option.
Whereas the general thrust of Sunderland’s recruitment policy has largely remained unchanged following promotion, Speakman spoke of being willing to “tweak” it earlier this summer, and a deal for Xhaka would fit that bill. While the midfielder would almost certainly have no additional resale value given his age, his influence and leadership, both on and off the pitch, could be crucial as the Black Cats look to reestablish themselves in the Premier League next season.
Le Bris was asked directly about Xhaka in the aftermath of Saturday’s friendly defeat to Hearts, but did not want to give anything away.
“It’s rumours, and I can’t comment on rumours,” said Le Bris. “All I can say right now is that we are trying our best to improve the team. We will have to see what happens.”
Sunderland are also involved in talks with Bologna over centre-half Jhon Lucumi, although Italian media reports suggest the Serie A club remain reluctant to sell the Colombia international.
Bologna have already sold one centre-half, Sam Beukema, to Napoli this summer, and are reportedly reluctant to sanction the sale of another central defender.
Lucumi had a €28m release clause in his contract which expired earlier this summer, and Bologna are understood to be adamant that they will not allow the South American to leave for less than that figure.