Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri is on the verge of completing a move to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, for a fee of £9.5 million.
According to The Times columnist Paul Joyce, Liverpool are closing in on the permanent sale of Xherdan Shaqiri. They have reached an agreement with Ligue 1 giants Lyon over a deal worth around £9.5 million.
The Ligue 1 giants were initially willing to pay only £4 million, but Liverpool have managed to land a higher fee through negotiations. His sale could put an end to a long-standing saga, and the player’s rather disappointing spell at Anfield.
Formerly of Bayern Munich, Shaqiri joined Liverpool back in 2018 for a fee of £13 million. He was brought in as a potential alternative for Mohamed Salah in the attacking unit. But the move has not fared well for either of the parties, with the player struggling with game-time in Merseyside for three years in a row.
Since 2018, Shaqiri has made only 63 competitive appearances for Liverpool, most of which have come from the bench. He has fallen behind the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota in the pecking order.
The 29-year-old, though, did enjoy a bright spell in Euro 2020 for Switzerland. He emerged as the best player for La Suisse, prompting him to force his way out of Anfield, with the attacker even publicising his desire to leave Anfield earlier this summer.
A move to Lyon should serve as a sigh of relief for Shaqiri. The former Bayern Munich star is most likely being considered as a replacement for star player Memphis Depay, who joined Barcelona earlier in the summer.
His departure bodes well for Liverpool as well, as it will open up some valuable space in the attacking department, perhaps paving the way for the Reds to add some new faces to the squad. The Reds have not made any noticeable move in the market after signing Ibrahima Konate a couple of months ago.
But, they have been linked with a swoop for Belgian international Jeremy Doku. He could be a more able alternative for the likes of Salah and Mane, although his hefty £50 million price tag is sure to put off Liverpool.
Another player linked with a move to Liverpool this summer is Adama Traore. But the Wolves star may also cost a fortune, while they are set to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur as well, in the pursuit of the feisty Spaniard.
