It was largely perceived that Liverpool would sign up Nabil Fekir from Lyon last week. However, some complications and legal complaints mean that the move is extremely unlikely to take place now. However, the team will need to reinforce their squad with a creative player from the midfield.
Stoke City’s relegation ensured that Xherdan Shaqiri will move away from the Potters so that he can continue to play top-flight football.
The Swiss international was Stoke’s talisman and their source of inspiration throughout their dire run in the league this past season. He has previously plied his trade in clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, hence, it would be absolutely naïve to suggest that the 26-year-old will sacrifice first division football at the prime of his career.
According to reports, Jurgen Klopp is fond of the Swiss international and would persuade the club to make a move for Shaqiri.
Shaqiri: Creativity impetus
The diminutive midfielder has a good burst of pace and his ability to stretch play will create openings. The former Bayern Munich star mustered eight goals and seven assists this past season and was by far the best attacking player in Stoke’s squad. The Though there were instances where he tried to do it all on his own, he can’t really be blamed as the team lacked the spark up front.
Shaqiri is often perceived as a player who can play on the right but this past season, he was often deployed in a central role and he did pretty well. he mustered three goals and five assists from the central attacking midfield role and Liverpool could really profit from the versatility.
Should Liverpool make a move?
Liverpool need some good creativity in the midfield as most of their central midfielders are workhorses or defensively trained as such. Shaqiri would be a valuable addition to the squad as he can continue playing in the league in a much better team than the previous one.
As Stoke were relegated, the transfer fee for Shaqiri will be on the lower end and Liverpool have shown in recent transfer windows that they have the capability and financial muscle to pull off transfers at a good rate.
This one saga could prove out to be very interesting and fascinating, in my opinion. Considering the deal for Fekir is off, Shaqiri would be a good alternative.