Chelsea spending big on Gittens & Pedro is smart business

Carsley has to succeed Tuchel as England boss after U21 glory

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Disaster for Guardiola as Al Hilal bounce Man City from CWC

Euros Power Rankings: England & Spain clear front-runners

Editors' Picks

Ronaldo warned 2026 World Cup dream 'will end in tears'

Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can be 'important' to Brazil

Transfers LIVE: Bayern initiate contact for Liverpool's Diaz

Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES aged 28 after injury-hit career

Trent gets up and running as Madrid make CWC last eight

Winners & losers from Man City's doomed CWC campaign

Real Madrid vs Juventus: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Erik ten Hag trying to ensure Xhaka stays</li><li>Midfielder's entourage are in contact with Milan</li><li>Serie A side to start working on deal on Tuesday</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Erik ten Hag attempting to convince Granit Xhaka to snub AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen stay despite transfer agreement as new coach looks to stop summer exodus

<p>According to a report by <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Milan/17-06-2025/xhaka-al-milan-la-trattativa-con-il-bayer-leverkusen-thiaw-possibile-contropartita.shtml?refresh_ce" target="_blank"><em>Gazzetta dello Sport</em></a>, Ten Hag would rather keep the midfielder to preserve some experience in his squad. They have already lost coach Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah, while Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool. With so many changes, Ten Hag sees Xhaka as a key figure for the new coach's debut season, but he is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/granit-xhaka-bayer-leverkusen-ac-milan-transfer-agreement-green-light-serie-a/blt5b3261d4057f06d5" target="_blank">reportedly eager to join Milan</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Xhaka’s entourage are in contact with Milan over a possible move, with the Swiss international conveying to them that he wants a new adventure in Serie A, and the Rossoneri are an outfit that fascinates him. The 32-year-old's existing contract at Leverkusen ends in 2028, and Milan have contacted his representatives. A different aspect for the Italian club is to convince their German counterpart of this transfer. Chairman Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare will start working on the deal on Tuesday. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen in 2023, has 14 goals in 137 caps for the Switzerland national team, and if he makes a move to Milan, it will be his first venture in Italy.
</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Leverkusen will wait for Xhaka’s decision, which might be key to the club’s future, considering his impact in midfield over the past two seasons, where they won a double last year and the DFL-Supercup this term.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Erik ten Hag attempting to convince Granit Xhaka to snub AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen stay despite transfer agreement as new coach looks to stop summer exodus | Goal.com

Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is trying to convince midfielder Granit Xhaka to continue at the club, with the player already in talks with AC Milan.