Ex-PL CEO: Sunderland have 'huge question mark' over star man's future
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That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that there is a “huge question mark” surrounding the 33-year-old’s role long-term.The Switzerland international has been a standout performer for the Black Cats after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and his performances have seen him earn plenty of plaudits so far. Sunderland will hope for several more impactful additions to their squad this summer, but Wyness was keen to stress that they must be careful with who they bring in if they want to kick on again.Sunderland do not have cash to burn this summerEverton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has already raised concerns about the impact that the Europa League could have on Sunderland.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The demands of the schedule has regularly had a major impact on teams in recent years, and with that in mind, Wyness feels that it would be an “amazing” achievement for the Wearsiders to finish in the top half again next term, as he raised concerns regarding their upcoming recruitment on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.StatsXhaka TotalsApps (Starts)34 (32)G/A7Chances Created per 901.05Defensive Contributions per 9011.3Tackles per 901.55Duels Won %60.3%Xhaka’s 2025-26 Premier League stats, as per Fotmob.“We all know Le Bris and Xhaka have done incredible things. That’s going to be a big season now playing European and domestic football.
That’s tough, and that gives me cause for concern slightly,” he said.“They’re also going to need much more depth coming in with European games as well. And I think Sunderland have got a very, very tough season next year, to stay in the top 10 would be an amazing feat.“There’s been a lot of talk about Xhaka this year, but at 34 playing in Europe, that’s my big question mark on how they’re going to have to recruit.