Granit Xhaka's next move a mystery as Saudi Arabian side back out of race to sign midfielder amid Sunderland, Fenerbahce and AC Milan offers

Neom have withdrawn from the race to sign Xhaka as Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price exceeds the €8 million (£7m/$9.2m) they are prepared to pay, according to Sacha Tavolieri. The Swiss midfielder had already agreed personal terms with the club and was set to earn a salary of €10m (£9m/$12m).

Xhaka was among AC Milan’s top targets for their midfield rebuild, with manager Massimiliano Allegri a strong admirer of the player. However, Leverkusen’s high asking price cooled Milan’s interest, especially after securing the signings of Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci. Juventus also showed interest but no formal negotiations with Leverkusen ever took place.

Newly promoted English side Sunderland are currently showing the strongest interest, viewing Xhaka as a replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund. Turkish giants Fenerbahce are also keen, with manager José Mourinho admiring Xhaka’s leadership and his contributions in both attack and defence. However, there remains a strong possibility that the midfielder stays in Germany.

Xhaka will now need to carefully evaluate all offers before making a decision on his future. With Erik ten Hag, Bayer Leverkusen’s new coach, keen to build the team around him as a central figure in their new project, there is a strong chance Xhaka could remain at the BayArena.