The 33-year-old midfielder, speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, addressed recent comments that sparked talk of a return to his boyhood club, FC Basel, while leaving the door ajar for a potential transfer elsewhere.

Two weeks ago, during a farewell ceremony for his brother Taulant's retirement at FC Basel, Xhaka stirred excitement among fans. "One Xhaka is leaving, but soon the other will be back," he declared on the pitch, hinting at a future return to the Swiss club where he began his career.

However, he has since clarified that a move back to Basel this summer is unlikely. "I stirred things up a bit," Xhaka admitted to Blick. "I still have three years left on my contract with Leverkusen. My family and I are very happy in Germany. You never know what the future holds in football, but as of today, I'll stay. What happens tomorrow, I can't guarantee."

Leverkusen are navigating a turbulent period, with significant changes reshaping the squad.

Head coach Xabi Alonso has left for Real Madrid, while key players Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong have joined Bayern Munich and Liverpool, respectively. Star midfielder Florian Wirtz is also widely expected to depart for Liverpool soon, with other talents like Alejandro Grimaldo and Piero Hincapie attracting interest from top clubs across Europe.

Reflecting on the upheaval, Xhaka drew parallels to his time at Arsenal. "I experienced a similar transition at Arsenal in 2019. That kind of thing takes a toll. And I'm not 25 anymore, I'll be 33 soon," he said.

Despite the challenges, Xhaka expressed confidence in Leverkusen's ability to rebuild. "The sporting management can rebuild the team with the right signings," he noted, but added a cryptic twist: "Whether that's with me or without me is another question." His comments have only intensified speculation about his next move, with recent posts on X linking him to clubs like AC Milan and Galatasaray.

Xhaka, who has played in Switzerland, Germany, and England, also hinted at his curiosity about testing himself in a new league. "I haven't played everywhere yet, so of course you start thinking about it," he said.

"Right now, those thoughts are still far away. I have my family and my management to handle that with me." He added that he is unaware of any formal offers but remains open to possibilities.

The former Arsenal captain, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023/24 season, is under contract until 2028. However, with the club facing a potential exodus, Xhaka's future remains a focal point for football fans.

His leadership and experience make him a valuable asset, but as Leverkusen brace for a new chapter, the midfielder's next move could send shockwaves through the transfer market.

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