Board reportedly wants the experienced midfielder to find a new club before the transfer window closes.

Sunderland fans would be stunned if reports emerged suggesting the club was prepared to part ways with captain Granit Xhaka following frustration over his role and playing time.

The experienced midfielder has become one of the most recognisable figures at the Stadium of Light since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, but a dramatic change in circumstances could now raise major questions about his future.

Xhaka has already enjoyed a hugely influential spell with Sunderland, helping provide experience and leadership in midfield.

However, if the latest reports were accurate, the Switzerland international could potentially have played his final game for the Black Cats.

“This Is Not the Sunderland Way”

The reaction among Sunderland supporters would undoubtedly be fierce.

Xhaka is not simply another midfielder in the squad. He is the captain and one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.

That makes any suggestion of a possible departure particularly significant.

Some supporters would question why Sunderland would consider allowing such an influential figure to leave, especially after the midfielder established himself as an important part of the team.

Others could argue that football is ultimately about making decisions that benefit the squad as a whole.

If a player is unhappy with his role and the manager does not see him as a regular starter, difficult decisions sometimes have to be made.

Age Could Become a Concern

One factor that could potentially influence any decision would be Xhaka’s age.

The midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding career, representing Switzerland and playing for Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen before returning to the Premier League with Sunderland.

But Sunderland’s demands remain high.

The Black Cats need midfielders capable of covering ground, controlling possession, pressing opponents and helping the team transition between defence and attack.

Xhaka’s experience remains invaluable, but questions about physical intensity could become part of any debate surrounding his long-term future.

His Frustration Could Change Everything

If Xhaka were to become frustrated with his playing time, the situation could quickly become uncomfortable.

For a player who has spent much of his career as an important figure at the clubs he has represented, being reduced to a peripheral role would naturally be difficult.

The midfielder could make his feelings known, potentially creating a situation involving the manager and Sunderland hierarchy.

That would immediately raise questions about whether the relationship could be repaired.

Or whether the club would ultimately decide that allowing him to leave was the best solution.

Could His Latest Appearance Be His Final Sunderland Game?

If Sunderland were genuinely considering an exit, Xhaka’s latest appearance could eventually take on a completely different meaning.

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.