Liverpool are reportedly looking to activate Xherdan Shaqiri’s £12 million relegation release clause to beat Tottenham and land the Stoke City attacker.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool are looking at a cut-price deal to strengthen their attack. Xherdan Shaqiri is a player that is attracting interest from the top brass of the Premier League, with Tottenham linked heavily to the Swiss speedster. But, Liverpool have entered the race and are looking to facilitate the player’s return to the Premier League.
Xherdan Shaqiri and his teammates endured a disappointing campaign that saw their long-term manager Mark Hughes being sacked by the club. Nevertheless, the Swiss was powerless as he could not stop Stoke City from being relegated from the Premier League after 10 seasons in the top flight.
There are a number of Stoke City players that are likely to search new clubs in hopes of securing top-flight football. But, Shaqiri is one player that is generating a lot of interest in his services, especially with his relegation release clause standing at a measly £12 million. Liverpool and Tottenham are both scouring the possibility of adding the Swiss international to their respective squads.
Tottenham have been looking to add depth to their wide attack for a while now. Lucas Moura arrived in January to beef up the wings. But, there is still a need to add to the numbers out wide. And with Shaqiri having experience of playing in the Premier League, combined with his £12 million release clause, Tottenham could be looking at a bargain deal to add a potent attacker to their squad.
Liverpool though, are now beginning to show an interest in the player as well. The Reds have been reported to be close to signing Nabil Fekir. But, there are recent reports that the move could be on the rocks, with Liverpool perhaps jumping the gun a-la Virgil van Dijk.
Regardless of the Nabil Fekir deal, Shaqiri’s explosiveness could add a new dimension to the Liverpool attack, especially with Jurgen Klopp looking to make a team capable of competing on all fronts. The lack of depth was one of the reasons Liverpool faltered in the 2017-18 campaign and it is something that Klopp is keen to correct before the start of the upcoming season.
Shaqiri though, will be looking towards the prospect of playing time before agreeing any move to either Tottenham or Liverpool. There is unlikely to be any dearth of offers from other Premier League clubs either. In all likeliness, we could see Shaqiri settle for a move to a lower-profile club in the top-tier, should it mean he secures regular playing time.
