Liverpool will not stand in Shaqiri's way if he wants to leave, but value him at around £13m. Xherdan Shaqiri has been around several clubs in his illustrious career, and it seems he is on the move again. His three year stay at Liverpool is coming to an end, with France set to be his next destination. It is suggested that the Swiss has agreed on personal terms with Lyon. It is now up to Liverpool to accept the bid from the French side.
An unsettled Shaqiri at Liverpool
For a while, Shaqiri has been unsettled at Anfield and came close to departing the club last season but stayed, hoping his status at Liverpool would change. However, it was more of the same.
Shaqiri joined Liverpool from Stoke City after the Anfield giants triggered his £13.5 million release clause. Since his arrival, it's been topsy-turvy for the 29-year-old. He has been unable to break into the first eleven being an occasional substitute. Last season, he made just 14 league appearances failing to score in any of them. His contribution to Liverpool's charge to a top-four finish was minimal, and the club may not be averse to letting him leave.
Wanted beyond Liverpool
Rumours of a departure from Anfield has been swirling around Shaqiri from the moment he stepped foot at Anfield. The strength of these rumours has been strong in recent times. The two time UEFA Champions League winner has been linked with Lazio and Lyon. However, French outlet L’Equipe claims that the latter has jumped ahead in the quest to get his signature.
The little details of personal terms seem to have been thrashed out with the player, and he is expected to earn just under €90,000 per week for three years at Lyon.
The club intends to replace the creativity of Memphis Depay, who left for FC Barcelona.
Big shoes to fill
The former Basel, Bayern Munich, and Stoke City player has a tough act to follow. Replacing Depay, who scored 20 goals in 37 league appearances and several assists, maybe too much for a player who is not known for scoring plenty.
In his playing career, Shaqiri has never managed more than eight league goals per season. Lyon expect him to improve on that record, but time is truly not on his side.
Going into the final year of his contract, it is almost certain that the Swiss is leaving. All that is left is an agreement between the two clubs over his transfer fee.
Shaqiri is valued at around £13m, and Lyon have not come close to that valuation. Liverpool have already turned down a bid of £3.4m.
Klopp also wants to replace the departed Georginio Wijnaldum, but only if there are departures from the side.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
