Granit Xhaka Keen on Manchester City Move

Granit Xhaka, the Borussia Monchengladbach star, revealed that he was considering the option of joining Manchester City. The 23-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool during the January transfer window. Arsenal was also said to be interested in signing Xhaka and the management was prepared to pay a solid sum for his services.

For the time being, Xhaka remains a part of André Schubert’s squad but rumour has it he will seek a new career challenge at the end of the season and he will most probably join an English Premier League club.

Xhaka himself commented on the matter and said that despite the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool, he was more willing to join Manchester City and play under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. The latter is to take over the reigns of the club in the summer. At the end of June, he is to replace the current coach Manuel Pellegrini.

The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder revealed that it was difficult to turn down an offer from such a reputable club like Manchester City and admitted he was delighted at the idea of joining the Citizens.

His announcement came as a huge disappointment to Liverpool and Arsenal. Both clubs are in desperate need of strengthening their squads and finding a skilled defensive midfielder.

Xhaka’s contract with Gladbach expires in 2019 and therefore, the clubs keen on landing him have to wait three more years. However, the release clause in his contract comes into force in the summer of 2017 and the only way to convince Gladbach to part ways with one of their stars is by paying a considerable sum.

Xhaka remains committed to the idea of joining a Premier League Club and he said he was not likely to follow the latest big-money trends related to transfers to Chinese clubs.

The Switzerland international, whose performance in the Champions League group matches was highly appreciated, confirmed that he might substitute the Bundesliga outfit for the Manchester City’s kit. Yet, he was reluctant to consider a transfer to a Chinese club “for no money in the world”.

In conclusion, the Swiss said that every career challenge he embraces should ensure new perspectives and opportunities for improving his skills. Xhaka also added that the “positive vibe” and the “togetherness” in football were two factors of crucial importance to him.