Bayer Leverkusen Facing Potential Exit of Granit Xhaka as AC Milan Pursues Deal
Milan proposes to exchange DFB players for Xhaka from Leverkusen, as reported.
Keeping up with the departure trend at Bayer Leverkusen, another key player might be on the move. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has caught the eye of AC Milan, according to Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport". Xhaka, who was previously linked to Barcelona, is reportedly interested in a move to Lombardy as transfer negotiations between the two clubs are set to take place this week.
Xhaka's contract with the German vice-champions runs until June 30, 2028, but Milan could spark a deal by recruiting Milan defender Malick Thiaw in exchange. Thiaw, a three-time German national player, joined Leverkusen from Schalke 04 in the 2022/23 season and made 22 league appearances last season. His potential move to Leverkusen could help fill the void left by the departure of Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich.
AC Milan's sporting director Igli Tare is keen on Xhaka partnering with Luka Modric in the midfield. The Italian traditional club is also reportedly close to signing the Croatian veteran, who is currently competing with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup.
Despite the departures of Xabi Alonso, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and the imminent transfer of Florian Wirtz to FC Liverpool, Xhaka remains undecided about his future. While he acknowledged the energy required for such changes and his age, he remains optimistic about the rebuild at Leverkusen. "Whether with me or without me is another question, but as of today, I'm here. We are happy, and that's what counts," said Xhaka.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
- Florian Wirtz
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- AC Milan
- Luka Modric
- Football Bundesliga
Insights:
The transfer of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan is under active consideration, but it is unlikely to be finalized this week. Milan has been in talks with Xhaka's agent, and the player has expressed openness to the move. However, Leverkusen is reluctant to sell, especially after losing several key players, and new manager Erik ten Hag wants to keep Xhaka for stability. There is speculation that Malick Thiaw might be included in negotiations as Leverkusen is interested in the Milan defender. However, no concrete agreement has been reached yet. Talks between Milan and Leverkusen are scheduled for next week to finalize the transfer details.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the Regulation involving the potential transfer of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan, despite the ongoing negotiations. In the bustling world of European leagues and football, Serie A's AC Milan pursues Xhaka, widely known for his performance in the German Bundesliga.
