Liverpool plot move for Stoke’s Shaqiri
LIVERPOOL are interested in Xherdan Shaqiri and will consider a move for the Stoke City forward.
The Switzerland international will leave the bet365 Stadium following Stoke’s relegation and his ability means he will be on the radar of many Premier League clubs, including Everton and Southampton, plus teams in Europe.
Jurgen Klopp wants to add quality depth to his squad to enhance Liverpool’s prospects domestically and in the Champions League and the club’s technical department have several options in terms of providing back up for Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Shaqiri bluntly explained at the end of last season that playing in the Championship ‘wasn’t what I signed up for’ and Stoke are aware of his feelings. They are resigned to losing one of their top assets. He still has two years remaining on his contract but a break clause would enable prospective clubs to sign Shaqiri for £13million, only a fraction more than the £12m they paid Bayern Munich in 2015.
Liverpool have made a brisk start to their summer dealing, paying £40m for Fabinho from Monaco. Lyon’s Nabil Fekir remains the top priority in terms of bolstering their attack, with the France international regarded as Philippe Coutinho’s replacement.
Shaqiri, though, would be an economical alternative. Liverpool are also interested in Malcom, Bordeaux’s Brazilian forward and Moses Simon, the Nigeria winger who plays in Belgium for Gent.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have bolstered their backroom team by appointing Philipp Jacobsen as the new Medical Rehabilitation and Performance Manager.
Jacobsen, who previously worked at Aspetar in Qatar, assisted Adam Lallana while the midfielder received treatment on a hamstring issue in South Africa in April.