REGIS LE BRIS admits that Granit Xhaka might be experiencing the lingering effects of a hangover after Xabi Alonso’s unsuccessful attempts to secure his signing for Chelsea.

However, the Sunderland manager firmly asserts that his Swiss Superman’s fighting spirit remains intact.

Xhaka, 34, topped Alonso’s wish list for Stamford Bridge following the Spaniard’s transfer to West London this summer.

The Chelsea manager was eager for a remarkable reunion with the key playmaker who played a crucial part in leading his Bayer Leverkusen team to a Bundesliga title.

Regardless, the Black Cats remained firm and blocked the transfer, keeping the 34-year-old in Wearside.

Since that incident, Xhaka’s form has declined, with the midfielder appearing notably less effective than before.

REG-ULAR SERVICE

Le Bris supported by ‘frustrated’ owner Louis-Dreyfus despite poor start

BEAUTY

Win a £725k 4-Bedroom luxury home & Volvo XC40 for just £1.79 with our discount code

In the end, Alonso chose Jordan Henderson, a Mackem who developed at his hometown club before making a noteworthy transfer to Liverpool in 2011.

As Sunderland finds itself at the bottom of the league, few would fault Xhaka for looking enviously at Henderson, now playing for top-four hopefuls Chelsea this afternoon.

When asked if the transfer saga impacted Xhaka and potentially disrupted team unity, head coach Le Bris responded: “[It’s] tough to say. It’s always a complex situation. It’s one factor in the equation, so I can’t say for sure.”

Opposing manager Alonso refrained from elaborating on his interest in Xhaka but acknowledged the pivotal role the midfielder played in Leverkusen’s achievements.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Alonso remarked: “We stayed in touch often during our time at Leverkusen, as Granit was a crucial member of that squad.

“He connected various elements in midfield and with the back three. It was a rewarding period, and I look forward to seeing him on Sunday.”

Xhaka has faced difficulties in the past as Arsenal’s captain, having had contentious interactions with fans before losing the armband.

Nevertheless, he regained his form under Mikel Arteta, but Le Bris notes he hasn’t needed to go through any similar rehabilitation.

He stated: “What I see daily is Granit’s dedication, his standards, training ethic, and his commitment to Sunderland.

“On Thursday, we had planned for him to play 60 minutes, but at half-time, he said, ‘I’ll play the full match. I want to assist the squad.’ That’s Granit.

“Like anyone, he will experience both ups and downs. At 34, you’re not the same player you were at 23. His game is evolving too, yet his commitment is beyond question.”

Meanwhile, Xhaka’s teammate, Trai Hume, asserts that their current difficulties are unrelated to Xhaka’s brief link with Chelsea.

The Northern Ireland defender remarked: “No, it hasn’t impacted us as players. Granit has been a key figure for the club since he arrived. He’s our captain, our leader, and he understands, as do we, that he has room to improve, as do we.

“He expects more from us. We must raise our performance to the standards we know we can achieve but haven’t so far this season. As players, we have the capability and need to meet the expectations of the Premier League.

“Sadly, we haven’t met those standards yet, but that’s what we must focus on going forward.”

Xhaka was a notable signing in the summer of 2025 after Le Bris’s successful promotion campaign with Sunderland. Surprisingly, the Black Cats managed to sign him for £17m, and he played a vital role in leading them to Europa League qualification last season.

However, it could have just as easily been Henderson wearing red and white today.

The England international was eager to return to the Premier League after disappointing stints in Saudi Arabia and Ajax.

Despite previous denials, Le Bris has now confirmed that owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and director of football Florent Ghisolfi did discuss the possibility of an emotional return for Henderson.

He expressed satisfaction with the decision, choosing Xhaka instead, while Henderson later joined Brentford before making his way to Stamford Bridge this summer.

He noted: “Absolutely! Granit is fantastic as well. Jordan is an exceptional player, no doubt. The connection with the club wasn’t my call; that was between Flo and Kyril. They had their discussions.

“I believed he could have been a great signing and a significant symbol for the club—an outstanding player and leader. But that’s the nature of the transfer market.”