In a recent tweet, renowned journalist David Lynch revealed that Liverpool have received an offer for Xherdan Shaqiri this summer. It is understood that Olympique Lyonnais have launched a move to land the Swiss playmaker with the Reds hoping to recoup around £13m for him during this summer transfer window.
#LFC have received an approach from Lyon for Xherdan Shaqiri. Told the two clubs are still “a long way apart” on valuation but talks ongoing. Liverpool keen to recoup a figure in the region of the £13m they paid Stoke in 2018.
— David Lynch (@dmlynch) August 9, 2021
Shaqiri’s Unimpressive Campaign At Anfield
Shaqiri played a sporadic role for the Merseyside giants last season and once again struggled to steer clear of injuries. The Gjilan-born sensation featured in 22 matches for the Reds in the previous campaign, netting one goal and securing four assists on all fronts.
The 29-year-old saw most of his game time come as a substitute as he averaged 0.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. However, he distributed the ball accurately in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 87.2% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Shaqiri needs to secure regular game time if he wants to re-establish himself as a top performer at the highest level. Hence, the player could be tempted to seal a move elsewhere in search of greener pastures in the coming seasons.
Liverpool Have Received An Offer From Lyon For Shaqiri: What Should Be Jurgen Klopp’s Play?
Shaqiri can read the game well and is still an outstanding playmaker in the opposition half which could be why Jurgen Klopp has often used him off the bench so that he can unlock the opponent’s defence in the latter stages of a game. He is primarily a right-sided winger but can also play in the number ten position or as a wide player on the left flank if needed.
The Swiss international can whip in some inviting crosses into the opposition penalty box and is a powerful striker of the ball from long range. However, frequent injuries have hampered his career at Anfield, so it makes sense for him to make a switch away from the Merseyside club this summer.
At 29, Shaqiri has only got a handful of years left in him to play at his best. Furthermore, his current contract with the Reds is set to run out at the end of next season. Hence, Klopp should consider cashing in on the Swiss attacker this summer or else risk losing him as a free agent next season.
At the moment, the Liverpool head coach has a strong squad capable of sustaining a title challenge without Shaqiri, so he can afford to sell the talented playmaker before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
