Furious Erik ten Hag blocks Granit Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen exit after Sunderland transfer agreement as ex-Man Utd boss insists 'we're not letting anyone else go'

Erik ten Hag has ruled out Granit Xhaka leaving Bayer Leverkusen despite his agent saying a transfer agreement has been struck with Sunderland.

Tensions Rise at Bayer Leverkusen as Erik ten Hag Halts Granit Xhaka’s Potential Sunderland Move

In the midst of a challenging summer for , former manager Erik ten Hag has taken a firm stance against further player departures. With the team already reeling from significant exits, Ten Hag’s decision to block Granit Xhaka‘s rumored transfer to underscores his commitment to rebuilding squad stability ahead of the new season.

  • Wirtz, Frimpong & Tah leave Leverkusen
  • Xhaka wants Sunderland transfer
  • Angry Ten Hag rules out more exits

Furious Erik ten Hag blocks Granit Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen exit after Sunderland transfer agreement as ex-Man Utd boss insists 'we're not letting anyone else go'Furious Erik ten Hag blocks Granit Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen exit after Sunderland transfer agreement as ex-Man Utd boss insists 'we're not letting anyone else go'Furious Erik ten Hag blocks Granit Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen exit after Sunderland transfer agreement as ex-Man Utd boss insists 'we're not letting anyone else go'

Major Departures Shake Bayer Leverkusen Foundation

Following the high-profile moves of stars like Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz to , and Jonathan Tah’s switch to , the spotlight turned to Granit Xhaka. His representative announced a preliminary deal with Sunderland, expressing the midfielder’s desire to depart from the German outfit. This came amid claims that Bayer Leverkusen had initially allowed discussions for a possible transfer, but the situation has since escalated.

Erik ten Hag’s Strong Response to Transfer Speculation

Dismissing the agent’s statements outright, Erik ten Hag emphasized the club’s recent losses of key talent. “Agents might spin any narrative they want, but we’ve already parted ways with three crucial members of the team. Allowing more to leave would dismantle our team’s core and unity,” the Dutch tactician stated during a press interaction. He highlighted Xhaka’s role as a pivotal figure, noting the remaining three years on his deal and his indispensable value to the group.

Challenges Ahead for Bayer Leverkusen Post-Triumph

Bayer Leverkusen celebrated a remarkable double in 2024, securing both the title and the DFB-Pokal. However, the subsequent season ended without silverware, compounded by the exit of coach Xabi Alonso and star players. As of mid-2025, recent statistics show Leverkusen struggling in early pre-season matches, with a win rate dipping below 50% in , highlighting the urgency for Ten Hag to stabilize the roster. Retaining Xhaka, a linchpin in midfield, is seen as essential to avoid further decline, much like how a keystone holds an arch together-remove it, and the structure risks collapse.

Will Xhaka Push for a Bayer Leverkusen Exit?

The question lingers whether the Swiss star will attempt to engineer a move away this transfer window. For now, Ten Hag, who assumed the helm in May after his dismissal from Manchester the previous October, is focusing on upcoming preparations. The squad is set to clash with VFL Bochum in a pre-season matchup this Sunday, providing an early test of their revamped dynamics.