---
title: "Sunderland: Phil Parkinson discusses Arbenit Xhemajli interest"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-phil-parkinson-discusses-arbenit-xhemajli-interest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-08-26T15:10:28Z"
modified: "2020-08-26T15:10:28Z"
---

# Sunderland: Phil Parkinson discusses Arbenit Xhemajli interest

**Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has [briefly](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-boss-reveals-latest-transfer-targets-danny-graham-and-arbenit-xhemajli-2953005) touched on the potential of bringing in Kosovo international Arbenit Xhemajli.**

With the 2020/2021 season fast approaching, transfer gossip has been rife at the Stadium of Light and [Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sunderland-keeping-tabs-kosovo-international-18703353) were first among many media outlets to report that the Wearside club were interested in Xhemajli.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”292828″\]

The young defender, who became a free agent following his exit from Neuchatel Xamax this summer is valued at £765,000 by [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/arbenit-xhemajli/profil/spieler/354155), and featured for the Black Cats in a friendly against Gateshead last week.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

The 3-1 win over the non-league side saw Chris Maguire, Will Grigg and Josh Scowen find the back of the net as Xhemajli got the chance to prove his worth to Phil Parkinson, with [Roker Report](https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2020/8/22/21376970/player-ratings-gateshead-1-3-sunderland-parkinsons-men-record-comfortable-victory-away-to-gateshead) handing him a 6/10 rating for his performance.

Sunderland, who faced Carlisle United on Tuesday afternoon, were expected to hand the youngster a further chance to impress however [Sunderland Echo confirmed that the young defender had returned to Switzerland.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-v-carlisle-united-live-story-behind-arbenit-xhemajlis-omission-cats-prepare-friendly-2952147)

Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson [explained](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/phil-parkinson-gives-transfer-update-18827959) the current situation regarding Xhemajli following his side’s 3-1 win, saying: *“The agreement with him was always just for him to stay until last weekend.*

*“We’ll have a chat this evening about how we are going to progress that.* *He looks a good player.*

*“There’s other players also we’re looking at in that position and we want to make the right decision.”*

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Whilst Xhemajli could arrive for free, financial restraints have been put on Sunderland due to the introduction of the [salary cap](https://www.efl.com/news/2020/august/squad-salary-caps-introduced-in-league-one-and-league-two/) in the English Football League.

As previously said, bringing in the youngster would prove a slight gamble, given he has [no experience of English football](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/arbenit-xhemajli/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/354155), although at least now the Sunderland boss has some sort of idea at his quality after the Gateshead friendly.

***Do you think Arbenit Xhemajli will move to the Stadium of Light? Let us know in the comments section below…***