Granit Xhaka’s recent comments about a potential return to FC Basel have sparked widespread reactions in Swiss football, especially as they came on a meaningful day for his family during a tribute to his older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who retired from professional football on Saturday.
Reacting to this, FC Basel’s owner, David Degen, clarified that there are currently no concrete talks about the Swiss captain’s return.
“It’s an honor that he said that. But he has a contract until 2028. We’ve never considered this matter before. Granit is a very good player for Leverkusen. We’re honored by his statement, but I don’t feel any pressure. We continue on our path,” Degen told the Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten.
Despite the club leadership’s cautious stance, there is significant public excitement about a possible reunion of the Xhaka–Shaqiri duo. Xherdan Shaqiri himself, who returned to Basel in August last year, expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside his long-time teammate again.
“A return of Granit Xhaka would be a dream for many people—and certainly for me as well. I don’t know what Basel’s management is planning. But I’m very happy and surprised,” Shaqiri said.
Granit Xhaka, 32, played for Basel from 2009 to 2012, while Shaqiri was at the club from 2010 to 2012 before continuing his career in the Bundesliga, the Premier League, and the MLS.
Both players have been key figures for the Swiss national team over the past decade. While Shaqiri retired from international football after Euro 2024, Xhaka remains the team’s captain and a central figure.
