First tension between Ten Hag and Xhaka
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.07.25. | 12:10
Bayer's coach didn't hold back when asked about Xhaka's departure
Bayer Leverkusen fans cannot be happy since Xabi Alonso went to Real Madrid. After losing the coach who won them their only Bundesliga title, Florian Wirtz and Frimpong went to Liverpool, while they got Erik ten Hag instead. Not only the Dutchman has a damaged status after his failure with Manchester United, but he also lost to Flamengo’s U20 side 5-1 in a friendly game. And now, he got into his first row with team’s leader Granit Xhaka. Former Arsenal captain has a wish to go back to the Premier League and apparently agreed it all with Sunderland, which was confirmed by his Jose Rodriguez.
Erik ten Hag has insisted Granit Xhaka is “too important” for Bayer Leverkusen to allow to leave despite the midfielder informing the club he wants to join Sunderland.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 22, 2025
Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguerra Rodriguez confirmed to German media on Tuesday that there was an agreement between… pic.twitter.com/MymWm7ncGe
"It is true that there is a fundamental agreement between the club and the player. We have always been in contact with Bayer 04, and those in charge have always been aware of the situation. We had asked for permission to speak with Sunderland. Leverkusen agreed to this out of respect for Granit. Now it's up to the clubs" he said.
But soon after that, the Dutchman came out with all guns blazing.
"The agent can say anything, but this club has already sold three important players. We won't let go of any more players; that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and culture of the squad. Clearly, Granit is a leader. He signed for five years and has three years left on his contract. He's too important for us to let go" said ten Hag after the last training session in Rio de Janeiro.
For now, he has director’s full support, but is it wise to keep an unhappy player at the club?
"I've always said that Granit is an important leader. The coach and I have a very similar perspective. There are many topics that repeatedly spark discussions and conversations. That's why it doesn't shock me. We are always in dialogue with our players. Ultimately, it's always a three-party situation. Granit still has three years left on his contract – fundamentally, a change can only happen if all three sides are okay with it" sports director Simon Rolfes explained.
