BlueCo are reportedly ready to bend their strict transfer policy in order to secure the signing of Granit Xhaka from Sunderland.

Since BlueCo’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, the club has developed a very particular approach to transfer dealings.

Todd Boehly and his partners have gained a reputation for their unorthodox methods in the transfer market, notably the unusually long contracts offered to key players over the past four years.

Most notably, Chelsea have made it a priority in recent seasons to target young talent almost exclusively.

After bringing in Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the 2022/23 campaign, the Blues have since signed only one player over the age of 25.

That lone exception came in the summer of 2024 when Tosin Adarabioyo joined from Fulham on a free transfer at the age of 26.

This youth-focused recruitment approach appeared set to continue this summer, with Chelsea already having added three teenage prospects—Denner, Dastan Satpaev, and Geovany Quenda—while also bringing Emmanuel Emegha over from their sister club Strasbourg.

However, new reports indicate that Chelsea are now interested in signing the experienced Granit Xhaka, aged 33, from Sunderland, a move that would mark a significant departure from their existing strategy.

The former Arsenal midfielder was considered one of the standout signings of last season after making a surprising switch from Bayer Leverkusen to newly promoted Sunderland.

Xhaka played a crucial role in Sunderland’s impressive campaign, helping the Black Cats finish seventh in the Premier League and secure qualification for next season’s Europa League.

The connection between player and manager is evident—Chelsea’s new head coach Xabi Alonso previously managed Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, where the duo enjoyed remarkable success, winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in an unbeaten 2023/24 season.

According to reports, Chelsea have already initiated discussions with Xhaka’s representatives regarding a potential transfer.

However, the BBC reports that Sunderland are strongly opposed to selling their captain, making it clear that Xhaka is not available for transfer.

The Swiss international still has two years remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light.