Whispers surrounding the future of Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka suggest a potential departure from Bayer Leverkusen. The experienced 32-year-old, a key figure for the Bundesliga side, appears to be attracting significant interest from across Europe and beyond, setting the stage for a intriguing summer transfer saga.
Among the reported suitors are Italian football heavyweights Juventus and AC Milan. Both Serie A clubs are understood to be monitoring Xhaka`s situation, potentially viewing him as a valuable addition to their respective midfields, bringing experience and steel.
However, the landscape of modern football transfers is increasingly influenced by the economic power of emerging leagues. In this instance, the competition for Xhaka`s signature reportedly includes Neom, an ambitious club based in Saudi Arabia.
Managed by Christophe Galtier, Neom is said to have identified Xhaka as a priority target. This isn`t merely speculative interest; reports indicate that the Saudi club is prepared to back their intentions with a substantial financial offer. A figure of €20 million is being circulated as the potential transfer fee Neom is willing to pay Leverkusen.
This economic factor presents a significant challenge for Juventus and Milan. While the prestige and historical significance of playing in Serie A for clubs of their stature remain considerable draws, the financial packages available from Saudi Arabian teams can often dwarf those offered by traditional European clubs, particularly concerning transfer fees and player wages.
For Bayer Leverkusen, a €20 million offer for a player entering his mid-thirties could represent a very compelling argument indeed, potentially offering valuable funds for squad reinvestment. For Xhaka himself, the choice might boil down to pursuing a new challenge in one of Europe`s top leagues with established giants, versus embracing a lucrative opportunity in a rapidly developing football scene backed by considerable financial resources.
As the transfer window approaches, the situation remains fluid. While Juventus and Milan offer the allure of Serie A, the reported interest and financial capability of Saudi Arabia`s Neom loom as a significant factor, potentially making the Middle East the more likely destination for the seasoned midfielder. The classic European pursuit appears to have met a modern financial heavyweight, and money, as ever, talks loudly in the transfer market.