AS Roma have reportedly opened talks with Premier League leaders Liverpool as they look to sign Xherdan Shaqiri in the January transfer window.
According to a report from Sky Sport Italia, as carried by Football Italia, Liverpool and are in negotiations with Serie A giants AS Roma over the potential sale of Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri in the ongoing transfer window.
Roma are on the lookout for reinforcements in the attacking third following Nicolo Zaniolo’s knee injury that has ruled him out for the season. The Giallorossi were closing in on the capture of Matteo Politano from Inter Milan, but the deal collapsed the final hurdle, which has forced them to look elsewhere, with Shaqiri emerging as a potential candidate.
Shaqiri signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2018 from Stoke City, but hasn’t been able to nail down a regular place in Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 28-year-old made 30 appearances in his first season with the Merseysiders, scoring six goals and setting up five more, including a starring display in the 4-0 Champions League semi-final win against Barcelona.
But, injuries have meant that the 80-time capped Switzerland international has featured only ten times across all competitions in the ongoing campaign, with just one goal to show for.
While Shaqiri hasn’t been playing regularly this term, the Swiss attacker is still seen as an important squad member by the Liverpool manager, who is keen on holding onto him at the club. More so, considering that the Reds are hurtling fast towards their first ever Premier League title and Klopp wants to keep his squad intact should there be an injury crisis during the title run-in.
Roma, though, are pressing ahead with their interest in the 28-year-0ld. The Serie A giants are keen on taking Shaqiri on loan for the remainder of the campaign, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Shaqiri, who is contracted with Liverpool till the summer of 2023, has previously had a largely forgettable stint in Italy with Inter Milan. But, a chance at regular playing time could very well tempt him to consider a move away from Anfield in the current transfer window. However, it remains to be seen if Liverpool do actually sanction the transfer.
