I'm far more in favor of the Xhaka deal than against it even with the price tag.
For around £25m, you're not just signing a midfielder.
You're getting:
• Leadership in a squad that's lacked it for years.
• A completely different midfield profile that adds control and defensive stability.
• A player who already understands Alonso's football inside out, almost like having the manager on the pitch.
• A strong personality who raises standards and demands accountability amongst players.
We've wasted far more than this said amount on poor decisions over the last few seasons.
If the manager wants Xhaka, back him. For once.
If you were Chelsea and Sunderland were to insist on a transfer fee of £25 million for Granit Xhaka, would you sign the player for Xabi Alonso or move on❓️