German club chief to avoid signing Granit Xhaka as he could ‘do damage’

Borussia Monchengladbach’s sporting director has said that he will not consider re-signing Granit Xhaka due to fears his arrival back at the club could do more harm than good.

Xhaka was at the centre of controversy on Sunday after his gesture to the Arsenal fans following his substitution against Crystal Palace and the Switzerland midfielder has been widely criticised for his actions.

Gunners captain Xhaka arrived at the Emirates from Monchengladbach in 2015 and speaking to Sportbuzzer, the club’s sporting director Max Eberl said that the chance of reuniting with the midfielder looks off the cards due to “expectations” upon players when they return.

“Of course, as a player, I could always picture him as a good player, but it’s difficult to get him back,” Eberl said. “Not just financially, but also from the point of view of expectations.

“Players develop and change. In the end, you could end up doing more damage than you can win, so I’m not really a fan of [player’s] return.”

Speaking about the incident between Xhaka and the Arsenal fans, Eberl said: “I am very sorry for him personally. In my view, it is incomprehensible.

“For me, it is totally incomprehensible from a distance, since I know that in England the fans always support their clubs and the players, especially their captain.

“Granit didn’t go [to Arsenal] for nothing, but because he is a top professional. An emotional player who gives everything for his club.”

Xhaka was not part of the squad that travelled to Anfield for the EFL Cup clash with Liverpool, which saw the hosts advance to the quarter-finals on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 draw.

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