Erik ten Hag Explodes in Fury Over Granit Xhaka's Agent's Bold Claims
Erik ten Hag has openly rejected rumors connecting former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka with a Premier League comeback despite reports of an agreed transfer to Sunderland.
Reports about the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder surfaced initially last week. Negotiations have intensified recently, with Xhaka's representative taking the unusual step of making public statements.
"We have secured a preliminary deal with Sunderland," Jose Noguera announced on Tuesday. "Granit is eager to rejoin the Premier League. Sunderland attracts him, and he's ready to embrace this opportunity."
When Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United, heard these remarks, he responded with irritation. "Agents can claim whatever they want," Bayer Leverkusen's newly appointed manager stated firmly to reporters.
"However, this organization has already parted with three crucial players. We cannot allow additional departures—it's simply not feasible. That would compromise our squad's foundation and team spirit. It's evident—Granit serves as our captain, he committed to a five-year deal and still has three seasons remaining. He's far too valuable for us to release."
Xhaka hasn't featured in the Premier League since netting twice for Arsenal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2023. Having evolved into a central midfielder by then, the controversial Swiss captain concluded his turbulent English football journey positively.
Ten Hag has faced a challenging beginning to his Rhine-based appointment. Star playmaker Florian Wirtz and dynamic right-back Jeremie Frimpong have both joined Liverpool, with Jarell Quansah moving in the opposite direction. Ten Hag has welcomed the record signing of USMNT forward Malik Tillman, though he cannot afford to lose additional vital personnel.
During the club's inaugural match under the Dutch manager's guidance, Leverkusen suffered a crushing 5–1 defeat to Flamengo's Under-20 team. "The scoreline appears concerning, but I'm not bothered by pre-season outcomes," Ten Hag dismissed unconvincingly following the match.