Granit Xhaka announces his return to FC Basel at the farewell of his brother Taulant. The Leverkusen star fuels speculation with this.
Suddenly, Granit Xhaka grabbed the microphone. The midfield star was just one of the guests of honor at the farewell of his brother at FC Basel on Saturday, but he also had something to say to the 36,000 fans in the sold-out St. Jakob-Park.
“I can tell you one thing: one Xhaka is leaving – but soon the other one will be back,” said Granit Xhaka. Words that leave plenty of room for speculation – and spontaneously triggered cheers in the “Joggeli.”
Granit Xhaka (r.) spoke about a possible return to FC Basel at the farewell of his brother Taulant
Then, the 32-year-old midfield star put an arm around his one and a half year older brother. His gaze went towards the Muttenzerkurve, where the die-hard Basel fans were rolling out the big choreography for veteran Taulant Xhaka.
“We were born in Basel,” Granit started again – but his words were drowned out by “Granit Xhaka” chants.
Xhaka’s Words Make Basel Dream
With his words, the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker immediately triggered wild speculations.
The officials immediately made an effort to cool down the boiling rumors.
“Of course, it’s an honor that he says something like that. We have never even thought about such an eventuality,” said President David Degen.
Sporting director Daniel Stucki sounded similar: “Of course, it’s nice when he says something like that. But there has been no exchange so far. At the moment, a move to FCB is not realistic.”
The fact is: Xhaka still has a contract with Leverkusen until 2028.
It is questionable whether the newly crowned Swiss champion could afford the transfer fee. In addition, Xhaka would have to accept considerable cuts in salary.
Reunion of Shaqiri and Xhaka?
Like his long-time teammate Xherdan Shaqiri, who celebrated his emotional return to his roots last fall, signed a contract until 2027 – and led his team as top scorer to the championship title this season.
Granit Xhaka (l.) and Xherdan Shaqiri (M.) were long-time teammates in the Swiss national team
Will there now be a reunion of Shaqiri and Xhaka?
“That would be a dream for many, including me,” said Shaqiri on Saturday. “But of course, the constellation has to fit. I don’t know what the FCB leadership is planning. But I am very happy to be surprised.”
Xhaka and Shaqiri both went through the youth teams of FC Basel and then gained their first experience as professionals with the former Swiss series champion.
In 2012, the paths of the two long-time Swiss national players separated at club level. Shaqiri moved to FC Bayern, Xhaka to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
After seven years at FC Arsenal, Xhaka returned to Germany in 2023 – and was an important performer in the defensive midfield of the Werkself, especially in the double season last year.
Is Xhaka also leaving? Even if his words leave plenty of room for speculation, the word “soon” is just as elastic. It does not have to mean that Xhaka will return to Basel this summer.