(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 31 May 2026 9:42, UK

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Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka may struggle to deal with the demands of a Europa League campaign next term.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that there is a “huge question mark” surrounding the 33-year-old’s role long-term.

The Switzerland international has been a standout performer for the Black Cats after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and his performances have seen him earn plenty of plaudits so far.

Regis Le Bris has relied heavily on the veteran, as he has started 32 games in the Premier League, but his team are now facing a gruelling Thursday to Sunday schedule in 2026-27.

Sunderland will hope for several more impactful additions to their squad this summer, but Wyness was keen to stress that they must be careful with who they bring in if they want to kick on again.

Sunderland do not have cash to burn this summer

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has already raised concerns about the impact that the Europa League could have on Sunderland.

The demands of the schedule has regularly had a major impact on teams in recent years, and with that in mind, Wyness feels that it would be an “amazing” achievement for the Wearsiders to finish in the top half again next term, as he raised concerns regarding their upcoming recruitment on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

“We all know Le Bris and Xhaka have done incredible things. But Xhaka is 33. That’s going to be a big season now playing European and domestic football. That’s tough, and that gives me cause for concern slightly,” he said.

“They’re also going to need much more depth coming in with European games as well. And with depth comes the risk of unsettling the tight-knit squad they had. And can they manage to balance that and keep it going? It’s a hell of a challenge to try and do that.

“We’ve seen the Thursday, Sunday European fixtures and the timings of those unsettle many other clubs before. And I think Sunderland have got a very, very tough season next year, to stay in the top 10 would be an amazing feat.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Xhaka this year, but at 34 playing in Europe, that’s my big question mark on how they’re going to have to recruit. It won’t be splashing cash. Despite the European money coming in, it’ll be all about depth and cohesion.”

Black Cats to raise funds through sale for ‘silly money’

Football Insider revealed earlier in May that Sunderland could demand “silly money” for Wilson Isidor this summer, amid interest in the striker from Leeds United ahead of 2026-27.

The Black Cats are keen to keep hold of the Haiti international if possible, but will also know that a lucrative sale could significantly boost their own transfer kitty.

Wyness is clear that they will not have cash to burn in the market this summer, so a few sales of players on the fringes of the squad could prove valuable in terms of boosting their recruitment capability.

Isidor began the season in fine form after his team’s promotion, but has since faded to become little more than a bit-part player, with Brian Brobbey playing the lion’s share of the minutes up front.