What supporters initially saw as another match for their captain could potentially become his final appearance in the red and white shirt.
The timing would also be crucial with the transfer window approaching its deadline.
Finding a suitable replacement for a player of Xhaka’s experience would be extremely difficult, particularly given the importance of leadership within Sunderland’s squad.
Le Bris Caught in the Middle
Régis Le Bris would inevitably find himself at the centre of the situation.
The Sunderland manager has responsibility for tactical decisions and team selection, but any decision regarding a player of Xhaka’s status would have wider implications.
Le Bris wants intensity.
He wants movement.
He wants midfielders capable of controlling games while contributing defensively.
And if Sunderland ever concluded that Xhaka could no longer provide those qualities consistently, the club would have a major decision to make.
But removing the captain would be an enormous gamble.
Sunderland Fans Would Be Divided
Some supporters would insist that Xhaka must remain at the Stadium of Light.
His leadership, experience and ability to dictate the tempo of matches make him a valuable figure within the squad.
Others could argue that Sunderland must always look towards the future and make decisions based on the manager’s tactical requirements.
The biggest concern would be how such a situation was handled.
Losing an experienced player is one thing.
Losing the captain is something completely different.
“It’s Over” — But Is It Really?
That would ultimately be the biggest question surrounding any speculation:
Could Granit Xhaka really be finished at Sunderland?
Nothing should be considered final without confirmation from the club.
Xhaka remains one of the most important senior figures in the Sunderland squad, and previous reports have indicated that the club was determined to keep him despite interest from Chelsea.
That makes any genuine departure particularly difficult to imagine.
But football can change quickly.
One disagreement, one tactical decision or one major transfer opportunity can completely alter a player’s future.
For Xhaka, the next few days would therefore be crucial if the situation ever reached such a dramatic stage.
For Le Bris, it would represent one of the biggest squad-management decisions of his Sunderland tenure.
And for the Sunderland hierarchy, it would come down to one huge question:
Does the club continue building around its experienced captain — or is it time to make a ruthless decision and move in a different direction?
For now, Sunderland supporters would be watching every development closely.
Because if circumstances really did change around Granit Xhaka, it would be one of the biggest stories to hit the Stadium of Light in a long time.
Board reportedly wants the experienced midfielder to find a new club before the transfer window closes.
