Galatasaray are reportedly keen on securing the services of Xherdan Shaqiri, who is unhappy with his role current role at Liverpool.
According to Fotomac, Xherdan Shaqiri could be on the verge of leaving Liverpool in the upcoming January transfer window. The attacker has been reportedly courted by Galatasaray, who are desperate to add some offensive reinforcements during the winter transfer window following a disappointing start to the domestic campaign.
Shaqiri himself is unhappy with his sporadic role in the Liverpool first-team and is reportedly looking to join a club who can offer him European football. The Swiss international, however, is unlikely to refuse the advances of Galatasaray in January, although the potential transfer could hinge on Liverpool’s activity in the market.
The Reds are already in a spot of bother at the moment due to an injury crisis that sees a host of their star defenders out on the sidelines, including Virgil van Dijk. The recent injury to Joe Gomez has even forced club legend John Aldridge to urge Jurgen Klopp to play Jordan Henderson at centre-back.
However, Liverpool are almost guaranteed to sign a centre-back in January, with Milan Skriniar one of many players courted by the reigning English champions. The potential departure of someone like Shaqiri, therefore, could serve as a financial boost for the club as they attempt to sign a top-class defender.
The Swiss international has not had much personal success at Anfield, due to the consistent performances of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Additionally, the recent emergence of new signing Diogo Jota has further reduced the attacker’s importance at Liverpool, although his influence was critical in the narrow win over West Ham United recently.
At Galatasaray, Shaqiri could have the opportunity to potentially revive his career by teaming up with another ex-Liverpool player in Ryan Babel. These two, along with other experienced faces attackers like Sofiane Feghouli, Arda Turan and Radamel Falcao could help the Turkish giants get back to the pinnacle of domestic football after a disappointing campaign last season.
Although Galatasaray might not offer European football this season, they are pretty much in contention for the Super Lig title, as they are trailing league leaders Antalyaspor by just one point. Fatih Terim’s men could also offer regular game-time, which could be important for Shaqiri as he looks to make a mark in the upcoming European Championship this summer. An interesting winter window beckons for the Liverpool outcast.
