Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has commented on speculation linking Granit Xhaka with a summer move away from the BayArena.
Newly promoted English Premier League club Sunderland and Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC are reportedly interested in Xhaka, who was an integral part of the Leverkusen team that won a domestic double in 2024/25 and last season's Supercup.
Speaking to German daily Bild, Rolfes admitted "there's interest" in the Switzerland captain, 32, "but nothing more concrete than that."
Leverkusen's sporting director also revealed that he expects the issue to be resolved sooner rather than later: "There's no question that we're now in the phase where we're finalising the squad [for the new season]. Granit is an important part of that. That's why it won't be drawn out across the entire transfer window."
Watch: Granit Xhaka - Leverkusen's beating heart
Bundesliga runners-up last season, Leverkusen are undergoing significant changes following the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), playmaker Florian Wirtz and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong (both Liverpool).
Erik ten Hag has come in as head coach, while eight new players have joined the club, including England U21 defender Jarell Quansah and Netherlands international goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Die Werkself are currently on a pre-season tour of Brazil. They begin 2025/26 with a home game against German minnows Sonnenhof Großaspach in the DFB Cup first round on 15, before kicking off their Bundesliga season against Hoffenheim a week later.