Granit Xhaka transfer: Juventus eye Leverkusen star

Granit Xhaka transfer talks have reignited in Turin as Juventus prepare an official approach for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder after his prospective switch to AC Milan collapsed at the final hurdle.

Granit Xhaka transfer could reshape Juve’s midfield

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is determined to overhaul a midfield that has too often lacked bite and creativity. The Granit Xhaka transfer is viewed as the cornerstone of that revamp, offering Massimiliano Allegri a proven tempo-setter who combines rugged defensive work with progressive passing. Xhaka, 31, has thrived in the Bundesliga since leaving Arsenal last summer, helping Xabi Alonso’s side remain unbeaten in league play and topping the table. His ability to dictate rhythm from deep has convinced Juve that he can be the long-term successor to the ageing Manuel Locatelli in the regista role.

Why the AC Milan move fell apart

AC Milan were close to agreeing personal terms with the Swiss captain earlier in the window, but negotiations over a €25 million fee stalled when Leverkusen raised their valuation to around €35 million. Milan’s hierarchy, wary of Financial Fair Play constraints, pulled the plug. That abrupt halt opened the door for Juventus, who are prepared to sweeten the deal by including bonuses tied to Champions League qualification.

Juventus budget and rival targets

The Bianconeri have earmarked roughly €60 million for midfield reinforcements this summer. Alongside the Granit Xhaka transfer, Juve are pursuing Sporting CP’s Danish destroyer Morten Hjulmand and Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma. Club sources insist only two of the three will arrive, with Xhaka top of the wish-list because of his leadership qualities and reasonable price compared to Premier League targets.

How Xhaka fits Allegri’s tactical puzzle

Allegri has alternated between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3, yet both shapes rely on a deep-lying playmaker who can break opposition lines with one pass. The Granit Xhaka transfer would give the coach a metronome capable of shielding a back three or four, spraying diagonal switches, and launching counterattacks to wingers Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yıldız. Xhaka’s set-piece delivery—particularly his whipped corners—would also add a new dimension to Juve’s often predictable dead-ball routines.

Leverkusen’s stance and potential replacements

Leverkusen initially hoped to keep their midfield linchpin until 2025, but the club’s model is built on smart trading. Sporting director Simon Rolfes has already sounded out replacements such as Union Berlin’s Alex Král and Strasbourg prodigy Habib Diarra. If a bid in the region of €35-40 million lands on his desk, Rolfes is expected to sanction the Granit Xhaka transfer and reinvest in younger talent.

Financial considerations and contract details

Juventus plan to offer Xhaka a three-year deal worth €6 million per season with an optional fourth year triggered by appearances. Performance bonuses for Serie A titles, deep Champions League runs, and a potential captaincy clause have been discussed. The player’s entourage believes these terms reflect his status and would represent an upgrade on the €4.5 million he currently earns in Germany.

Impact on Juventus’ homegrown core

Importantly, the Granit Xhaka transfer would not block minutes for emerging homegrown midfielders like Fabio Miretti and Nicolò Fagioli. Allegri views Xhaka as a mentor who can guide the talented duo, much as he helped the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe blossom during his Arsenal days.

Competition from abroad?

While Juventus lead the race, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Premier League club Newcastle United are also monitoring developments. Both sides appreciate Xhaka’s combative edge, yet neither has made formal contact. Juve’s historical pull in Serie A and Allegri’s clear tactical plan give the Turin outfit an early advantage.

Timeline and next steps

Juventus hope to finalise personal terms by early next week before lodging a written offer to Leverkusen. If negotiations progress smoothly, the Granit Xhaka transfer could be completed before the start of pre-season, allowing the Swiss international to acclimatise quickly and feature in Juve’s summer tour of the United States.

What Xhaka brings beyond the pitch

Beyond tactical fit, Xhaka’s reputation as a dressing-room general appeals greatly to Juve’s hierarchy. The club has lacked a vocal on-field leader since the departures of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Xhaka’s multilingual skills and experience captaining Switzerland at major tournaments would instantly add authority and calm to a squad in transition.

Serie A landscape for 2024-25

Inter remain the benchmark, while Milan and Napoli are retooling. Securing the Granit Xhaka transfer would send a clear statement that Juventus intend to reclaim the Scudetto. Pairing Xhaka with Adrien Rabiot—should the Frenchman renew—would create an imposing double pivot capable of controlling league matches and competing against Europe’s elite.

Historical context: Swiss stars in Turin

The Granit Xhaka transfer would see him join Stephan Lichtsteiner and Reto Ziegler as Swiss internationals who have donned the famous black and white stripes. Lichtsteiner, of course, became a cult hero among the Juve faithful, and club insiders believe Xhaka could enjoy a similar legacy if he adapts swiftly.

Fan reaction and social media buzz

Initial fan feedback on Italian social channels has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters praise Xhaka’s warrior mentality and see him as the missing piece in midfield. Some concern lingers about his fiery temperament—red cards have punctuated his career—but many feel Allegri’s structured environment will curb the excesses while preserving his competitive edge.

Final hurdles and potential pitfalls

Despite optimism, transfer sagas are rarely straightforward. Exchange rates, agent fees, and Leverkusen’s Champions League aspirations could all complicate matters. A surprise late bid from a Premier League heavyweight cannot be ruled out. Nonetheless, Juventus remain confident the Granit Xhaka transfer will cross the finish line if both clubs act in good faith.

Opinion: A risk worth taking

Completing the Granit Xhaka transfer would be a calculated gamble that could redefine Juventus’ midfield identity. His leadership, passing range, and positional discipline align perfectly with Allegri’s philosophy. While his age limits resale value, the immediate upside—in terms of performance and mentality—outweighs the long-term risk. In a market inflated by younger prospects commanding astronomical fees, landing a proven Champions League-level operator for around €35 million feels like smart business.