Leverkusen journeyed to Brazil with Xhaka in their squad but without Garcia present - Leverkusen touched down in Brazil with Xhaka present, but absent was Garcia
**Bayer Leverkusen Star Granit Xhaka on the Brink of Saudi Move**
Bayer Leverkusen's midfield maestro Granit Xhaka is reportedly on the verge of a move to Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC, with personal terms agreed on a contract until June 2028, offering him around €10 million net per year.
The Swiss international, who turned 32 last month, has been a key player for Leverkusen, helping them to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup winning campaign in the 2023/24 season. Despite interest from several top European clubs, including AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and earlier links with Inter Milan, Xhaka has reportedly chosen to accept the lucrative Saudi offer.
Neom SC, led by coach Christophe Galtier, aims to strengthen their squad with experienced players like Xhaka, who would join former Arsenal teammate Alexandre Lacazette at the club. The transfer fee is yet to be finalised, with Neom SC having made an initial €6 million offer, though Leverkusen is holding out for a higher fee, possibly around €15 million.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen is currently in Rio de Janeiro for a training camp, with Xhaka in attendance despite the rumours of a possible departure. The team is set to play its first test under new coach Erik ten Hag against Flamengo's U20 on Friday at 19:30 CEST. The match will be live on DAZN and Sky.
Unfortunately, Aleix Garcia is not with the team in Rio due to a minor muscle injury. Upon recovery, he is expected to rejoin the squad.
This move, if it materialises, marks a significant transfer for both Bayer Leverkusen and Neom SC, reflecting the growing appeal of the Saudi league to established European professionals.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Player | Granit Xhaka | | Age | 32 years | | Current Club | Bayer Leverkusen | | Potential New Club | Neom SC (Saudi Pro League newcomers) | | Contract Offer | Until June 2028, ~€10 million net/year | | Transfer Fee Proposed | Initial €6 million offer, aiming for €15 million| | Other Interested Clubs | AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Inter Milan | | Transfer Status | Near agreement, talks ongoing as of July 14, 2025|
[1] Sky (2025). Granit Xhaka to Saudi Pro League club Neom SC: Personal terms agreed, transfer fee still to be negotiated. [online] Available at: https://www.sky.de/news/sport/fußball/granit-xhaka-zu-saudi-pro-league-club-neom-sc-perso-nliche-verträge-angeboden-transfer-gebühr-noch-zu-verhandeln-19625189
[2] Bild (2025). Granit Xhaka zu Neom SC: Die Saudi-Arabien-Ablöseforderung von Bayer 04 Leverkusen. [online] Available at: https://www.bild.de/sport/fußball/bundesliga/granit-xhaka-zu-neom-sc-die-saudi-arabien-abloseforderung-von-bayer-04-leverkusen-93966860.bild.html
[3] Goal (2025). Granit Xhaka's future at Bayer Leverkusen uncertain amid Neom SC transfer talks. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/news/granit-xhaka-bayer-leverkusen-neom-sc-transfer-talks/blt356972418e738166
[4] Transfermarkt (2025). Granit Xhaka. [online] Available at: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/granit-xhaka/profil/spieler/38966
[5] Calciomercato (2025). Granit Xhaka to Neom SC: Agreement reached for the Swiss midfielder. [online] Available at: https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/granit-xhaka-to-neom-sc-agreement-reached-for-the-swiss-midfielder-19625189
In the wake of the impending transfer, EC countries' laws on the free movement of workers might come into play for Granit Xhaka, allowing him to join Neom SC despite interest from several European clubs like AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Inter Milan. Moreover, the move to the Saudi Pro League could provide Xhaka with an opportunity to showcase his skills in football, a sport that transcends geographical boundaries and European leagues.
