Xhaka travels with Bayer Leverkusen amidst speculation regarding a potential transfer to Rio. - Xhaka embarks on a trip to Rio alongside Bayer Leverkusen, disregarding the swirling speculations
**Granit Xhaka's Transfer Saga: Bayer Leverkusen Star's Potential Move to Neom SC**
In a twist of football transfer rumours, Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder currently with Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly on the brink of a move to Neom SC, a Saudi Pro League club.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Xhaka joined his teammates in Rio de Janeiro for Bayer Leverkusen's training camp, indicating that no deal has been finalised yet. According to reports, Xhaka has reached a verbal agreement with Neom SC, with a salary of approximately €10 million per year, but a transfer fee has yet to be agreed upon. Bayer Leverkusen is said to value Xhaka between €8 million and €15 million, while Neom SC has offered around €6 million.
The potential move comes after the appointment of Erik ten Hag as Bayer Leverkusen's new coach, which has sparked uncertainty about Xhaka's future at the club. Xhaka enjoyed success with Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga in his first season, but his departure is now expected due to the new managerial setup and the lucrative offer from Neom SC.
Neom SC, recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, has been actively investing in its squad this summer. They have already spent €43.73 million on transfers, securing players like Marcin Bulka, Amadou Kone, Said Benrhama, and Faris Abdi. Alexandre Lacazette has also joined the club, which means Xhaka will be reunited with a former Arsenal teammate if he completes his move.
Other clubs, such as Juventus and Milan, were also interested in signing Xhaka. However, Neom SC's offer of €10 million per year significantly surpasses what these clubs could offer, making the Saudi option more appealing. Juventus could only offer around €3.5 million per year, while Milan was unable to match Leverkusen's valuation or Neom SC's salary offer.
Bayer Leverkusen has experienced several high-profile departures this summer, with Xabi Alonso, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and star player Florian Wirtz all leaving the club. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar did not make the trip to Brazil with Bayer Leverkusen and is reportedly a target for PSV Eindhoven.
As the transfer window closes, the future of Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen remains uncertain. Fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the final decision on Xhaka's transfer, which could significantly impact both clubs.
The community of football enthusiasts is closely observing the potential aid to the steel industry, as Granit Xhaka's transfer to Neom SC could lead to a high transfer fee for Bayer Leverkusen, representing a substantial income for the club. Xhaka's retirement from the steel industry of Bayer Leverkusen, if he completes the move, could pave the way for a new steel industry recruitment in the form of midfield reinforcements.
