Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas have set their sights on Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, according to reports from Turkish outlet Fotomac. The Istanbul club is on the hunt for a defensive midfielder ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Wilfred Ndidi's future still up in the air after his time at Leicester City. That uncertainty has pushed Besiktas to put the 33-year-old Swiss international on their radar as a potential solution.
Xhaka, who joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and is under contract until June 2028, has reportedly been exploring what life in Istanbul could look like—showing genuine curiosity about the Super Lig. But he's not the only name on their list. Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangaré is also a target, though at 28, his price tag might be too steep for the Turkish side.
Turkish football has become increasingly appealing to top players thanks to recent tax legislation changes. That's a trend that helped Galatasaray land stars like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, and it could give Besiktas an edge in their pursuit. Club president Serdal Adalı and manager Sergen Yalçın are reportedly set to meet soon to decide whether to make a formal move for Xhaka. Still, Turkish media has a reputation for overhyping transfer rumors, so a pinch of salt is warranted here.
For Sunderland fans, this isn't a reason to hit the panic button just yet—but it's not something to brush off either. Xhaka brings a rare blend of qualities to the Stadium of Light: composure under pressure, intelligent positioning, and genuine leadership that's invaluable for a young squad finding its feet. Sure, his weaknesses are real—he's 33, his pace has faded, and he can pick up unnecessary yellow cards from overly aggressive challenges. But his strengths far outweigh those concerns for a Sunderland side still building its identity.
The club brought him in to lead a promotion push, not to ship him off after just one season. Losing a captain with his experience and presence would be a tough blow, especially when the team is still finding its rhythm. Whether Besiktas follows through or not, Sunderland has every reason to fight to keep their man.