Nabil Fekir to Liverpool chat will have to wait for now…
Why? Xherdan Shaqiri, that’s why.
The Swiss international confirmed earlier in the week that he expected to leave relegated Stoke City this summer, and it now seems that Anfield may well prove to be his next destination.
JOE’s Melissa Reddy has confirmed rumours that Liverpool are interested in signing the 26-year-old, who has a release clause of around £12m in his Stoke contract.
Genuine interest from #LFC in Xherdan Shaqiri, who would provide depth across the attacking positions. Danger from set-pieces, creative, can be decisive in the final third. Release clause of around £12 million makes it low risk.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) June 6, 2018
Liverpool have already confirmed the signing of Fabinho from AS Monaco, announced within 48 hours of their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Kiev. A deal for Naby Keita to join the club from RB Leipzig on July 1 was also agreed last summer. Numerous reports have suggested a move for Fekir may be imminent, although his involvement with France at the World Cup may mean the player remains a Lyon player for a few more weeks at least.
Shaqiri began his career with FC Basel, where his performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2012. Having found his playing time limited in Germany, he moved on to Inter Milan in January 2015. Stoke had wanted to sign him at the time of his move to Milan, and eventually did bring him to England six months later.
Speaking to Swiss-German newspaper Aargauer Zeitung earlier this week, he made clear he wanted to leave Stoke following their relegation. Although he suggested he would keep an open mind about his future, he also said that his preference would be to remain in the English top flight.
“It is no secret that I will leave the club,” he said.
“I think the [Premier] league is perfect for me.
“I would love to stay in England but I don’t want to rule anything out. It’s the best league with the best players.”
