Erik ten Hag attempting to convince Granit Xhaka to snub AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen stay despite transfer agreement as new coach looks to stop summer exodus

According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, Ten Hag would rather keep the midfielder to preserve some experience in his squad. They have already lost coach Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah, while Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool. With so many changes, Ten Hag sees Xhaka as a key figure for the new coach's debut season, but he is reportedly eager to join Milan.

Xhaka’s entourage are in contact with Milan over a possible move, with the Swiss international conveying to them that he wants a new adventure in Serie A, and the Rossoneri are an outfit that fascinates him. The 32-year-old's existing contract at Leverkusen ends in 2028, and Milan have contacted his representatives. A different aspect for the Italian club is to convince their German counterpart of this transfer. Chairman Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare will start working on the deal on Tuesday.

Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen in 2023, has 14 goals in 137 caps for the Switzerland national team, and if he makes a move to Milan, it will be his first venture in Italy.

Leverkusen will wait for Xhaka’s decision, which might be key to the club’s future, considering his impact in midfield over the past two seasons, where they won a double last year and the DFL-Supercup this term.