Why Liverpool must let go of unwanted winger Xherdan Shaqiri
According to Turkish outlet Fotomac (h/t Daily Express), Galatasaray want to make a loan offer for out-of-favour Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
Swiss international Shaqiri has become a forgotten man at Anfield, especially due to his struggles with injuries this season. So far, he has made just six appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term despite his significant contributions last season.
Liverpool had earlier bought the 28-year-old winger from rivals Stoke City in the summer of 2018. However, with wingers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane clearly dominating the Reds attack, Shaqiri’s chances of establishing himself as a regular have become increasingly less in recent times.
Also, the arrival of Japanese attacker Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg in January has put him even further down the pecking order. Being on the sidelines for so long seems to have frustrated Shaqiri, who is now keen to move somewhere else in order to get more game time.
That said, Turkish giants, Galatasaray have shown an interest in the Reds’ unwanted man, whom they want to sign on loan. The loan offer will include an option to buy, which will help Liverpool regain some of the £13.5million they paid to Stoke back in 2018 to buy Shaqiri.
However, Galatasaray would most likely make an offer for Shaqiri if they win the Turkish Super Lig or manage to secure a Champions League spot. They are currently third behind leaders Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir.
Shaqiri looks surplus to requirements at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been in sensational form this season after their Champions League win last year. The attacking trio of Mane, Salah, and Roberto Firmino has become one of the best in the world that has seen them score a massive 66 goals in 29 league outings this season.
With the three of them consistently delivering the goods at the highest level in Liverpool, Shaqiri’s chances of making a first-team entry has been increasingly limited in recent times. Liverpool also have forward Divock Origi in their side, who at times has been deployed as a winger by manager Klopp.
This year alone, the Belgian attacker has featured 20 times across the flanks for Liverpool out of his 36 appearances, giving a clear indication that the side has enough depth in that role.
Considering all this and Shaqiri’s inability to break into the side, he looks surplus to the club’s requirements at the moment. Hence, Liverpool must try to offload their unwanted man rather than just holding onto him unnecessarily.
Read more:
- Why Liverpool should make a move for Diego Llórente
- Why Liverpool should not let go of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
- Liverpool consider approach for 28-year-old La Liga ace Leandro Cabrera – Could he be a good defensive addition?
Verdict
At present, Liverpool have as many as five players including Shaqiri, who are capable of playing on the wings. Also, with Salah and Mane still remaining Klopp’s preferred first-choice wingers, Shaqiri’s opportunities seem even rare in the coming days. Hence, they should offload him soon and use that money to strengthen areas that need improvement.
