According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports, Ligue 1 side Lyon are close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool for Xherdan Shaqiri. As things stand, they have offered €6 million, which is €2 million short of Liverpool’s €8 million asking price.
It will be interesting to see whether the Frenchmen raise their offer or if Liverpool give in and sell for a cut price. When considering Shaqiri’s ability, €8 million is an absolute bargain. When fit, you will struggle to find many with better left-foots for that price.
If the Reds do sell, which looks extremely likely based not only on the reports, but also on the fact that the Swiss international was left out of their last two pre-season games, they’ll potentially put the funds towards late business in the transfer window.
Xherdan Shaqiri Closing in on Lyon Switch
Liverpool Have Ready-Made Replacement
Xherdan Shaqiri looks set to be leaving Anfield at exactly the right time. In previous years, it could have been argued that Jurgen Klopp needed his services, with his versatility to play in both midfield positions and on the wing becoming a key asset. With Harvey Elliott primed and ready to step into the first-team squad this season, however, Shaqiri will be surplus to requirements.
Like Shaqiri, Elliott is left-footed and can play in both midfield and on the winger. In fact, throughout the Liverpool pre-season, the 18-year-old mainly featured from a central midfield role. His best position remains the right-hand side of the front three, where he can cut inside in Mohamed Salah-like fashion, but midfield experience has done his game no harm.
Under Jurgen Klopp, and without Xherdan Shaqiri in his way, Elliott can become one of the best youngsters in the Premier League. He ticks every box necessary for a Jurgen Klopp player; boxes that even Shaqiri could not tick.
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