According to a recent report by The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are demanding a fee of around £28m, which is more than double the amount they had paid Stoke City back in 2018, for Xherdan Shaqiri this summer. The same source has also revealed that the Reds are trying to recoup a sizable transfer fee for the Swiss international so that they can bring in a much younger player who can provide cover for Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
Shaqiri’s Frustrations At Merseyside This Season
The Swiss international has endured a difficult campaign as he has hardly been available for selection due to frequent injuries which have hampered his progress at Merseyside. He has featured in only ten matches for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term and has just got one goal to his name across all competitions. Shaqiri has only earned a total of 256 minutes of playing time for Liverpool this season, which is why it makes sense for both parties to part ways this summer.
The former FC Basel talent has also got a wealth of experience at the international level. He has secured 80 senior caps for the Switzerland national team and has netted 22 goals for his country in the process. The 28-year-old needs to prove his fitness next season if he is to ensure his availability for the 2021 UEFA European Championship which has been rescheduled due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
The Reds wing wizard can still be a potent threat in the final third as long as he can stay injury-free. His qualities are undeniable and out there for everyone to see but the lack of game time means that he will drive a hard bargain this summer. However, if Liverpool can recoup £28m for Shaqiri’s services, then it could turn out to be a mutually beneficial deal for both the player and the club.
What Does The Swiss Attacker Bring To The Table?
Shaqiri has lost a yard of pace from his game, but he can still be a difficult man to catch when isolated and going up against his marker in a 1v1 footrace. He has excellent ball-control that allows him to dribble past players without losing possession. The Swiss wide player is generally quite direct with his runs and can also create some decent plays for his teammates inside the opposition penalty box. He can also find the back of the net occasionally as his shots are often quite accurate and pack a lot of power.
What makes Shaqiri such an invaluable squad player is his versatility to play in multiple positions across the frontline that has allowed Klopp with the option to tweak his formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 whenever required.
Is It Time For Klopp To Cut Shaqiri Loose For £28m This Summer?
However, the jury is still out on whether he will be able to avoid injuries and earn more game time in the coming years. It is a no-brainer for Klopp to cash in on him this summer as he cannot afford to let Shaqiri experience another frustrating spell at Anfield next season as it will significantly lower his market value.
At the moment, it seems like Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards is pulling off another masterclass in the transfer market if he can somehow manage to sanction the Swiss international’s departure for £28m in the off-season. The Merseyside giants could use the money generated from his sale to recruit a younger replacement who has a better track record with injuries. As for Shaqiri, he will be better off making a fresh start away from Anfield so that he can reignite his career in European football.
