Joe Cole has endorsed Chelsea's pursuit of Granit Xhaka, calling the move a 'good sign' that the club is making 'positive strides' in the transfer market. The former Chelsea and England winger believes the 33-year-old Switzerland international would bring valuable leadership to the dressing room.
Chelsea targets Xhaka after policy shift
Chelsea appear to have moved away from their youth-focused transfer strategy, setting their sights on Xhaka. New manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly driving the bid to sign the midfielder, whom he coached at Bayer Leverkusen. The pair won a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title together in the 2023/24 season.
Xhaka returned to the Premier League last summer, joining Sunderland after leaving Leverkusen. His outstanding performances for the Black Cats earned him further admirers. Reports from Germany over the weekend indicated that Chelsea had reached a verbal agreement with Xhaka's camp, with the player keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Sunderland rejects opening bid
Sunderland, however, are reluctant to lose their key player. Chelsea's opening offer of £8 million was swiftly rejected by their Premier League rivals. It remains unclear whether the Club World Cup holders will return with an improved bid.
'Going after Xhaka is a good sign for Chelsea fans because it shows that the handcuffs of only signing young players and developing them are now off,' Cole told Paddy Power. 'It seems they're making good positive strides. He seems like the right character for the dressing room.'
Cole praises Xhaka's leadership
Cole highlighted Xhaka's leadership qualities, noting his successful stints at Sunderland, Leverkusen, and Arsenal. 'He did a great job at Sunderland last year. He was brilliant at Bayer Leverkusen. He was even a leader at Arsenal. I like the fact that they're backing Xabi Alonso. I like everything about it,' Cole added.
While Cole doubts Xhaka would be a guaranteed starter at Chelsea, he believes the Swiss would still be a valuable leader. 'He played nearly every game for Leverkusen and Sunderland. Will he play every game at Chelsea? Will he still be a great leader if he isn't on the pitch every game? I think he will. I certainly hope he will,' Cole said.
Midfield competition at Chelsea
Chelsea's midfield already boasts Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, whom Cole regards as two of the best central midfielders in world football. 'He wouldn't be starting ahead of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez,' Cole noted. 'We'll see if he ends up signing, but I like the fact that if he does, it is for sure a Xabi Alonso signing.'
However, uncertainty surrounds Fernandez's future at Chelsea. The Argentina international has publicly criticized the club's hierarchy and is reportedly pushing for a move to Real Madrid. Adding to the tension, former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who recently joined Madrid, encouraged Fernandez to follow him.
Cucurella comments draw criticism
Cole criticized Cucurella's remarks, calling them 'bang out of order.' 'When you hear players doing stuff like that, I think it's bang out of order. He's an intelligent man. He knows he's poking the bear. There's ways to handle yourself in these situations,' Cole said. 'If you're happy to sign a seven-year contract, you can't then three years into the contract be openly flirting with another football club, regardless of who it is. It's not for me.'
