Granit Xhaka transfer stalls as Milan walk away

Granit Xhaka transfer hopes for AC Milan have abruptly cooled after the Rossoneri decided the economics of a deal with Bayer Leverkusen no longer stack up. Despite receiving a clear “yes” from the Swiss international, Milan’s hierarchy reluctantly pulled the plug when Leverkusen insisted on recouping almost all of the €25 million they spent last summer and maintaining the 31-year-old’s lucrative contract.

Why the Granit Xhaka transfer collapsed

Paolo Scaroni and Geoffrey Moncada had held several rounds of talks with Leverkusen, exploring an arrangement that would allow Stefano Pioli—or whoever replaces him—to field a proven leader in midfield. However, Milan’s self-imposed cap on paying sizeable fees for players over 30 proved non-negotiable. Sources in Germany say the Bundesliga champions wanted at least €22 million plus bonuses, while the player’s three-year, €6 million-net salary further complicated matters. In the end, the Granit Xhaka transfer simply conflicted with the club’s sustainable-spending model.

Milan’s age and salary policy remains sacrosanct

Under RedBird Capital, Milan have consistently targeted high-potential players aged 25 or under, believing resale value and wage flexibility outweigh short-term stardust. Olivier Giroud’s impending MLS switch and Zlatan Ibrahimović’s retirement show the club is actively trimming its veteran core. Breaking that pattern for a single signing—even a Bundesliga title-winner—was never likely, insiders insist.

Xhaka’s outstanding 2023-24 with Leverkusen

The former Arsenal captain has been the metronome of Xabi Alonso’s historic treble chase, completing more passes than any midfielder in Germany and ranking second for progressive carries. His leadership has been praised by Alonso, who views Xhaka as “the on-field coach.” That form triggered Milan’s initial interest, yet it is also why Leverkusen felt emboldened to demand a premium. Club CEO Fernando Carro stressed last week that keeping serial winners is vital for their Champions League ambitions.

Alternative targets on the Rossoneri radar

With the Granit Xhaka transfer shelved, Milan have pivoted to younger profiles. A €20 million bid has already been lodged for Valencia starlet Javi Guerra, while contacts continue for Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Benfica’s João Neves. Closer to home, talks with Torino over Samuele Ricci have resumed, and Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners remains admired—though his €55 million valuation is steep. The common denominator is age: all four midfielders are 25 or younger and command wages within Milan’s structure.

Financial Fair Play and Serie A realities

Serie A clubs are under renewed UEFA scrutiny after the latest FFP framework tightened allowable losses. Milan, already fined in 2022, are determined not to repeat mistakes that forced them to sell Sandro Tonali. Executives believe that splurging on an over-30 player could jeopardise wiggle room for overdue extensions to Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leão. By shelving the Granit Xhaka transfer, they keep an estimated €30–35 million (fee plus wages) available for multiple reinforcements.

What next for Xhaka and Leverkusen?

From Leverkusen’s perspective, retaining the Swiss lynchpin for at least one more season would preserve squad harmony and help convince Alonso to stay amid Liverpool links. Xhaka, under contract until 2028, has publicly stated he is “all-in” for the Werkself project, although privately he was intrigued by Milan’s interest and the chance to play in a third major league. Should Premier League or Saudi Pro League clubs enter the fray with higher bids, Leverkusen’s stance could shift—but for now, the Granit Xhaka transfer drama appears to be on ice.

Serie A rivals watch with interest

Juventus and Napoli, both looking to overhaul ageing midfields, briefly assessed the feasibility of signing Xhaka in January. They, too, balked at the financials. Inter, fresh from clinching the Scudetto, remain focused on extending Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi rather than adding another seasoned name. In that sense, Milan’s withdrawal reinforces a broader Italian trend: proven internationals over 30 must accept lower wages or look elsewhere.

Leverkusen’s negotiating posture

BayArena sources hint that the German champions still expect interest to reignite after Euro 2024, where Xhaka will captain Switzerland. A standout tournament could inflate his value even further, vindicating their hardline stance. Conversely, an early Swiss exit might prompt both club and player to revisit the market, especially if Alonso receives assurances on replacements.

Historical context: Milan’s midfield misses

The Rossoneri’s reluctance to pay top dollar for experience has already cost them targets like Sven Botman, Renato Sanches and Jonathan David in recent windows. Supporters fear the pattern could continue unless revenue streams grow. Yet internal data modelling suggests Milan’s average squad age of 24.7 is the most profitable in Serie A, and club directors are adamant the policy will eventually deliver domestic dominance and European sustainability.

Summary of the current stance

To recap, the Granit Xhaka transfer was derailed by a combination of Leverkusen’s firm valuation, Milan’s under-30 rule, and looming FFP constraints. While the door is not definitively closed, both sides have shifted focus: Milan toward younger, cheaper midfield talent, and Leverkusen toward consolidating a title-winning core. Unless one party significantly alters its position, Xhaka will return to the BayArena next season wearing the captain’s armband instead of the Rossoneri’s No. 34.

Opinion: Milan’s prudence is sensible, but elite teams occasionally need an experienced heartbeat—walking away from Xhaka might be a strategic miss if leadership becomes scarce in a youthful dressing room.