Granit Xhaka U-turn sends 'immense' Sunderland 'message' amid 'dressing room' reveal
Granit Xhaka's decision to turn down the chance of a move to Chelsea has provided an "immense" boost to Sunderland's chances of success next season.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes the 33-year-old may only have one more top-level season in him in the Premier League.
The Switzerland international had looked increasingly likely to leave for Stamford Bridge, but ultimately decided against a reunion with Xabi Alonso.
Wyness believes that the pair's success together at Bayer Leverkusen would have been the driving factor behind Chelsea's attempts, but now believes the midfielder has handed Sunderland something to "boast" about by staying put.
Xhaka started 32 games in the Premier League last term, notching one goal and six assists to help his side qualify for the Europa League immediately after their promotion.
He was widely regarded as one of the signings of the season in the top flight, and will now be committed to the Black Cats for at least another year.
Granit Xhaka 'message' huge in the dressing room
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 – believes that Xhaka has sent out a powerful "message" by deciding to stay at the Stadium of Light.
He emphasised that the former Arsenal man is a "big part" of the "stability" on Wearside at the moment, and that is now set to continue once again.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman hailed the impact that Xhaka makes in the dressing room.
"I think it's immense for Sunderland, to be able to turn around and say, look, he turned down Chelsea to stay with us is a big boast," Wyness said.
"I think he thought about Xabi Alonso and he'd worked with him at Leverkusen before. So there was definitely reality behind that story. We discussed how we thought Chelsea would have wanted that blend of experience, but I didn't think that he was the right one.
"I do think he's going to have one more season at Sunderland where he's going to be very effective, but it is probably going to be the last season; he's going to have to manage his minutes.
"He's obviously a very key player in the dressing room. He's a big part of stability. It's very important for Sunderland. And I think it's great for them that he's sent that message out.
"They've ended up with something that they can boast about. There's some unity behind the whole thing now. So it's a very positive thing for Sunderland, and hopefully he's going to now get behind the whole project himself again and really perform better than ever."
Sunderland 'hopeful' of fending off Brian Brobbey interest
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Sunderland remain "hopeful" of being able to fend off interest in striker Brian Brobbey this summer.
Manchester United have identified the Dutchman as a clear attacking target, but the Black Cats are remaining calm despite their interest.
Regis Le Bris and Co. are doing "everything they can" to keep hold of the 24-year-old, after an impressive debut season in the Premier League and an encouraging World Cup.
Sunderland have no intention of losing Brobbey this summer, and intend to build their team around him next season.