Beşiktaş are reportedly considering a summer move for Granit Xhaka as the Turkish club prepares for possible midfield changes ahead of next season.
According to reports in Turkey, Besiktas are exploring options for a new defensive midfielder amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Wilfred Ndidi.
The former Leicester City player has attracted renewed Premier League interest following a strong campaign in Istanbul, forcing Besiktas to assess potential replacements early.
Now, Sunderland captain Xhaka has reportedly emerged as one of the names under consideration.
Besiktas weighing up ambitious Granit Xhaka move
Turkish newspaper Fotomaç claim Xhaka would be open to the idea of playing in the Super Lig at this stage of his career.
The report suggests the 33-year-old has already gathered information about both the Turkish league and life in Istanbul, although such claims are often treated cautiously given the speculative nature of parts of the Turkish transfer market.
Still, financial conditions in Turkey have changed significantly in recent years.
Having followed the growing trend of high-profile arrivals in the Super Lig, clubs such as Galatasaray S.K. have increasingly used favourable tax conditions to attract internationally recognised players. Recent examples involving major European stars have only increased pressure on rivals such as Besiktas to respond aggressively in the market.
Club president Serdal Adalı and manager Sergen Yalçın are reportedly expected to discuss whether pursuing Xhaka is financially realistic.
Sunderland unlikely to welcome transfer discussion
From Sunderland’s perspective, the situation currently appears highly stable.
Sunderland A.F.C. only signed Xhaka from Bayer 04 Leverkusen last summer, and the experienced midfielder has quickly become one of the squad’s most influential figures both on and off the pitch.
The Switzerland international remains under contract until 2028 and has continued to provide leadership and tactical control throughout the campaign.
| Stat (2025/26) | Granit Xhaka |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% |
| Captain appearances | 29 |
source: sofascore match data – 13 May 2026
Besiktas are also continuing to monitor Ibrahim Sangaré of Nottingham Forest F.C., although reports suggest the Turkish side may struggle to meet Forest’s financial demands.
That could make Xhaka a more attainable target despite his profile and experience.
It remains difficult to see Sunderland entertaining an exit so soon after building their midfield around him.
What’s next?
Besiktas are expected to continue evaluating several midfield options before deciding which profile best fits their summer rebuild plans.
Any move for Xhaka would likely require significant persuasion and a substantial financial package given Sunderland’s strong contractual position. The Turkish side may also wait to see whether Premier League interest in Ndidi develops further before accelerating negotiations.
For now, the links appear exploratory rather than advanced, but the situation underlines Besiktas’ determination to narrow the growing gap to their domestic rivals.
Would Granit Xhaka suit the intensity and atmosphere of Turkish football, or should Sunderland keep building around their experienced captain?
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