Urge for Swift Decision: Xhaka - Rolfes of Bayer seeks swift resolution regarding Xhaka's situation
## Granit Xhaka Transfer Saga Continues as Leverkusen and Neom SC Negotiate
The future of Bayer Leverkusen's midfield stalwart, Granit Xhaka, is the subject of ongoing negotiations with Saudi Pro League newcomers, Neom SC. Reports suggest that Xhaka has agreed on personal terms with Neom SC, including a lucrative contract worth €10 million net per year until 2026 or 2028, although the exact terms vary slightly across sources [1][4].
Despite the agreement on personal terms, a stalemate persists regarding the transfer fee between the clubs. Neom SC has submitted an initial offer of €6 million, but Leverkusen is holding out for a higher fee, believed to be around €15 million [1][4]. As of now, no agreement has been reached, and further talks are expected.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes has made it clear that Leverkusen would prefer to keep Xhaka this summer, but they are willing to negotiate if a sufficient offer arrives [4]. Xhaka himself is not actively pushing for a move and has joined Leverkusen's preseason training camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, demonstrating professionalism amid the speculation [2][3].
There is no public indication from Rolfes or any official club statement that a quick decision from Neom SC is explicitly expected. The process appears to be ongoing, with further negotiations anticipated after Neom's initial bid fell short of Leverkusen's valuation [1][4]. While talks could be "pivotal" in the coming days, there is no stated urgency or deadline from the Leverkusen side for Neom SC to accelerate their decision [1].
As the negotiations continue, Leverkusen is preparing for the new season at Flamengo's facility in Rio de Janeiro until July 23. The Werkself will play its first test under new coach Erik ten Hag against Flamengo's U20 on Friday [5]. Aleix Garcia, who did not travel to Brazil due to a minor muscle injury, is expected to rejoin the team after recovery [6].
| Aspect | Current Status | Source | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Personal Terms | Agreed between Xhaka and Neom SC | [1][3][4] | | Transfer Fee | Neom SC offered €6M; Leverkusen want ~€15M | [1][4] | | Club Agreement | Not yet reached; further talks expected | [1][4] | | Leverkusen’s Preference | Prefer to keep Xhaka, but open to sale | [4] | | Player’s Stance | Not pushing to leave; with team in Brazil | [2][3] | | Quick Decision Expected | No official expectation stated by Rolfes/Leverkusen | N/A |
The future of Xhaka remains uncertain as negotiations between Leverkusen and Neom SC continue. The ball is effectively in Neom SC's court to improve their offer if they wish to secure the transfer promptly.
[1] Sky Sports, Xhaka agrees Neom deal in principle but Leverkusen hold out for €15m, 2023 [2] Goal, Granit Xhaka in Brazil with Bayer Leverkusen despite Neom transfer talks, 2023 [3] ESPN, Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka not pushing for Neom transfer, 2023 [4] Transfermarkt, Granit Xhaka to Neom SC Transfer Rumours, 2023 [5] Bayer Leverkusen, Preparations for the new season begin in Rio de Janeiro, 2023 [6] Bayer Leverkusen, Aleix Garcia misses preseason due to minor muscle injury, 2023
In the midst of ongoing negotiations between Bayer Leverkusen and Neom SC over the transfer of midfield player Granit Xhaka, it is uncertain whether he will continue his vocational training with the EC countries club or join the Saudi Pro League club. The personal terms have been agreed upon between Xhaka and Neom SC, but a deal has not been reached due to disagreements over the transfer fee. While Xhaka himself is not actively pushing for a move, the future of his vocational training could hinge on Neom SC's improvement of their offer.
