Manchester United are looking to launch a £12 million move for Stoke City star Xherdan Shaqiri, who has also been on the radar of Liverpool.
The Sun are speculating that another Premier League giant have entered the race for Xherdan Shaqiri. The Stoke City star has already been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Liverpool interested. But, Manchester United are the latest name to emerge as a potential suitor for the Swiss speedster.
Xherdan Shaqiri surprised everyone by accepting a move to Stoke City from Inter Milan in the summer of 2015. The Swiss speedster has since accumulated 92 appearances for the Potters, with a not-so glittering record of 15 goals and 15 assists against his name.
The player though, has been in the headlines at the World Cup. The Swiss may have bowed out of the competition in the Round of 16 phase thanks to a meticulous performance from Sweden. But, they impressed many, with Xherdan Shaqiri, Manuel Akanji and Steven Zuber the ones to catch the eye with their displays.
Add to that the fact that Shaqiri will be available for £12 million, with the Potters relegated to the Championship, and it is not a surprise to see the Premier League big guns clamour for his signature. Liverpool and Manchester United have been the ones to be named in Shaqiri’s pursuit while Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown an interest in the player.
Liverpool were touted to be the frontrunners in his pursuit. But, the Reds seem to have turned their attention towards Nabil Fekir. A deal has previously broken down as regards the Frenchman. But, there are reports that Liverpool have resumed talks with Fekir and Lyon over a summer move.
Manchester United’s entry is not the least bit surprising. Their right wing has been barren for years now. Juan Mata is the only player who seems capable of putting in good displays on the right. But, the Spaniard is bereft of pace, something the wings are crying out for, especially with a head like Romelu Lukaku’s waiting in the box.
Manchester United have not had an out-and-out winger that hugs the byline, not since Angel Di Maria. And even the Argentine liked to wield inside a bit more during his time at Old Trafford. With Shaqiri commanding a £12 million price tag, the Swiss could serve as perhaps, United’s best piece of transfer business in the summer.
Loaded with pace, strength and finishing prowess, Shaqiri has everything in his locker to be a success at Manchester United. The Swiss speedster also has the experience of playing for historic clubs, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on his resume as well.
His mild success at Bayern Munich and subsequent rise at Stoke City means Manchester United would be getting a winger who knows how to cut it at a big club and handle the rigours of Premier League football. It’s a win-win situation for Manchester United.
Even if Shaqiri ends up not being the solution they hope for, getting a player of his calibre for £12 million would be one of the bargain deals of the summer and one they have not managed to achieve since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
