Leverkusen Manager Ten Hag Refuses Letting Key Midfielder Xhaka Leave

Bayer Leverkusen's manager Erik ten Hag has decisively stated that Granit Xhaka is too important to the team to be sold, despite the midfielder's agent confirming an agreement in principle with Sunderland. Leverkusen have already lost key players to Premier League clubs, and Ten Hag emphasized that losing Xhaka would disrupt the squad's structure and culture. Xhaka, who has three years remaining on his contract, played a crucial role in Leverkusen's 2023-24 double-winning season, including their first Bundesliga title and German Cup victory. Sporting director Simon Rolfes echoed Ten Hag's position, noting that any transfer would require agreement from all parties involved. Ten Hag also expressed the need to bolster the squad with additional attacking players to support key strikers. The club remains firm on retaining Xhaka as a leader and pivotal figure for the upcoming season.