Granit Xhaka (7 Viewers)

Chxta

Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe
Nov 1, 2004
12,101
#1
Juventus have reportedly entered the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, following initial interest from AC Milan. The Swiss international was a pivotal figure in Leverkusen’s exceptional 2023–2024 campaign, during which they remained unbeaten in all domestic competitions.
Xhaka’s arrival coincided with a remarkable season for the German club. Leverkusen were dominant across the Bundesliga and domestic cups, with their only defeat coming in the Europa League final. His leadership and consistency in midfield played a key role in their historic run, and his performances have now attracted attention from top clubs across Europe.
Juventus Eye Midfield Reshuffle
Juventus are believed to be planning changes to its midfield for the upcoming season. The club is reportedly considering the sale of Douglas Luiz, who joined just one year ago. Interest in Luiz from Premier League clubs could create an opening for Juventus to bring in a suitable replacement.
As reported by Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus have now joined AC Milan in expressing interest in Xhaka, who could be available for transfer during the summer window. While Max Allegri is said to want him at AC Milan, Juventus are now keen to rival that interest and secure his signature for themselves.
Xhaka may also be open to a new challenge. Playing in Serie A for one of Italy’s most storied clubs could be a compelling prospect for the midfielder, who has already proven himself in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League.
Granit-Xhaka1.jpg
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Potential Replacement for Luiz
If Douglas Luiz is sold in the current transfer window, Juventus would require an experienced and reliable presence to fill the gap in midfield. Xhaka’s qualities as a ball-winner, organiser and distributor would make him a valuable asset at the Allianz Stadium.
His form over the past year has reaffirmed his place among Europe’s top midfielders. Should Juventus succeed in securing his services, it could be a significant step forward in strengthening the core of the team ahead of the new season.
Source

I'm surprised that no one has talked about this here yet. The man's stats have been awesome, and more importantly, consistent for a while now. Asides from the 21/22 season at Arsenal when he was injured, gets in at least 40 games a season, and performs at a consistently high level. Would be a very good partner for Locatelli and Thuram, and his experience would help them grow.

Gives me a bit of the Pirlo vibes. Remember we got Pirlo in at age 32, and he gave us four solid seasons that coincided with us remembering how to win things...

I say, go for it!
 

Buy on AliExpress.com
Jul 18, 2004
11,196
#3
Not sure about Pirlo vibes, more Khedira vibes for me (without the injury record). But I agree, he’s literally made of ‘Granite’ - can compete at the top level and alongside Khephren he would be a good midfielder.

It’s not world class level but for the money he’s a good option, I think he’d do very well in Serie A. Why not, if we can shift some of our midfield deadwood like McKennie and Luiz
 

Gian

COME HOME MOGGI
Apr 12, 2009
17,921
#5
  • Gian

    Gian

I think he’s a good player and would be a big improvement over Locatelli, but my opinion is based on the occasional time I watched Leverkusen winning the league. I don’t know if he has regressed heavily since then.
 

maxi

Senior Member
Aug 31, 2006
3,797
#10
  • maxi

    maxi

Bring him and Laporte. Or Muller. There are a lot of youngsters in our team who could look up to mature players like them. Locker room needs their experience.

Half of our problems lie with the fact that we are a team that is very mentally fragile.
 

Bjerknes

"Top Economist"
Mar 16, 2004
116,949
#11
I mean, if our new business model is going to be selling the youngsters so we buy a bunch of 33 year-olds instead of 25-26, then we should have got Modric. Is Sergio Ramos available?

This guy is not going to fix our midfield.
 

maxi

Senior Member
Aug 31, 2006
3,797
#12
  • maxi

    maxi

I mean, if our new business model is going to be selling the youngsters so we buy a bunch of 33 year-olds instead of 25-26, then we should have got Modric. Is Sergio Ramos available?

This guy is not going to fix our midfield.
I agree he isnt the solution. But if we can get one or two players like him on a cheap for that reason, I wouldnt mind. We dont have to fill the whole team with geriatrics.

This has always been one of Marotta's keys to a successful rebuild and it seems Comolli is trying to copy that idea.
 

Alin

FINO ALLA FINE!
Jul 27, 2015
6,626
#14
  • Alin

    Alin

Actually played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s title win and been a reference point for them, and tbh is a player i completely underrated before watching him closely on more than a few occasions for both Leverkusen and the Swiss national team where although is not the type to catch the eye he does his defensive duties and basics impressively well.

Wouldn’t be against it for a fairly low price, think he still has at least a couple of years at this level in him, could be a good short term solution for a season or two to fill the experience gap and for us to have a pure DM that can rotate and complement well with Thuram and Locatelli, but needless to say such a move always comes with risks that needs to be carefully evaluated even if he probably hit his prime only recently since entering his 30’s, might just as well go on a steady decline from here although i doubt it this soon, then the wages and contract length also needs to make sense for it to be worth it.
 

TheLaz

Senior Member
Oct 6, 2011
5,637
#19
Totally understadn why we are after Xhaka. He would be great off the bench/rotating. Perfect engine for high intensity press. At 32 I wouldn't want us to spend too much on him, but he should have another 3 years in him
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 7)