Southampton are lining up a move for Stoke City wide man Xherdan Shaqiri this summer. According to recent reports, the Saints are interested in securing the signature of the Potters midfielder during this summer transfer period. The Swiss international had put in a number of match-winning performances at the bet365 Stadium last season but his contributions were not enough to save the Staffordshire outfit from relegation.
Shaqiri had featured in 38 matches for Stoke the last term, scoring 8 goals while 7 assists in all competitions. Some sources are now claiming that Mark Hughes is ready to raid his old club and bring the Swiss talent to Central England ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks but the Reds will face stiff competition from Southampton, who can offer Shaqiri with regular first-team football.
In the latest episode of the Transfer Window Podcast guest, Ian McGarry was quoted to have said, “Shaqiri to my information is going to be available for around £8m after Stoke’s relegation, that could go up to £12m in add-ons.
“His wages are not that high either, but I suspect he would be paid around £100,000 to £120,000-a-week at Anfield.
“There’s interest from Southampton, where of course he might consider because he would play more regularly.”
McGarry’s guest on the show, Duncan Castles also added, “I also understand Southampton want the player and have been pushing quite hard for him as an option to strengthen.”
The Saints were able to avoid the drop last season by the skin of their teeth. Hence, Mark Hughes needs to revamp his squad this summer and add some quality players who can help them stay away from the relegation zone in the upcoming campaign.
The addition of Shaqiri will definitely bolster Hughes’ attacking options ahead of the new season. The South-coast club has the likes of Dušan Tadić, Sofiane Boufal, Nathan Redmond and Mohamed Elyounoussi competing for a place in their starting XI. The potential acquisition of Shaqiri will undoubtedly improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within the Saints squad.
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At 26, the Swiss maestro still has his prime years ahead of him which Southampton could look to take advantage of, in the coming years. Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Shaqiri and whether he ends up making a move to the St. Mary’s Stadium before the start of the new season.
