We’ve been talking about Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri for a little while now, but after receiving confirmation last week that Liverpool’s interest in the 22-year old was an actual, real thing, today German tabloid Bild is reporting that the Reds have opened negotiations with all-conquering Bayern Munich over a £16mil move.
According to respected journalist Gianluca di Marzio, negotiations actually began last week, but with little word coming through after that, this latest report is either a bit more on the ball, or is just a re-hashing of the Italian had to say. Regardless, with Southampton still reluctant to part with Adam Lallana, the Anfield outfit have explored a number of different alternatives to the Saint’s captain. Their last bid of £25mil was widely reported as a take it or leave it offer and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers appears to be sticking to his guns by moving on to World Cup star Shaqiri — now, it’s just a matter of convincing the German giants to part with the promising youngster.
Long seen as the natural successor to French winger Frank Ribery, the 22-year old has had a hard time breaking into the Bayern first team, and with just ten league starts as “FC Hollywood” romped to the Bundesliga title, Shaqiri has expressed his dissatisfaction at his paltry time on the pitch.
Although he’s known almost as well for his numerous injuries as he is for his assured displays, if the German giants are willing to part with him as easily as Bild suggest, there’s obvious questions to be raised about his long term fitness and ability to meet his potential. We’ve seen Rodgers kick start the development of more than one player who had appeared to have stalled (read: Philippe Coutinho) so there’s little doubt that he’d be able to do it again with Shaqiri. With that being said, these things are always easier said than done.
Of course, before we can do anything, the Reds have to seal the deal. With the 22-year old currently plying his trade at the World Cup in Brazil, it could be a little while before it’s able to be completed. Or, it could be just as easy as the media like to suggest. Wouldn’t that be a welcome change?
