3 possible destinations for Xherdan Shaqiri this summer

Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri has been linked with a move away from Anfield throughout this transfer window. Shaqiri joined Liverpool from Stoke City for £13.5 million in 2018. He has played 45 league games for the Reds thus far, scoring seven goals. He helped the club win the UEFA Champions League in 2019, along with a Premier League title in 2020.

However, he struggled for game-time last season, managing to start just five league games. The 29-year old was also left out of the Reds squad to face Norwich City during the opening day of the season.

The former Stoke City attacker also publicly stated last month about his desire to leave the Reds and seek out a new challenge.

On that note, here's a list of three possible destinations for Xherdan Shaqiri this summer.

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#1 Olympique Lyonnais

Memphis Depay has left Lyon FC to join Barcelona FC as a free agent earlier this window

Olympique Lyonnais lost Memphis Depay to Barcelona FC on a free transfer earlier this window. The French club are currently in search of his replacement, with Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri among the top names on their list.

Known for his strength, creativity and technique, Shaqiri will fit in perfectly at Lyon, with Peter Bosz preferring his team to play high-press, attacking football. The Swiss winger played 5 games during EURO 2020, scoring 3 and assisting 1 goal.

The 29-year old has reportedly agreed personal terms with the French club. However, both clubs still have a lot of differences in their valuation of the player which needs to be sorted before the transfer window deadline on August 31.

Nevertheless, the Lyon-based club are currently in talks with Burnley to sell Maxwel Cornet, a move that could generate funds to push forward with a move for Shaqiri.

#2 Lazio

Lazio have shown interest in Xherdan Shaqiri recently

Serie A club S.S. Lazio have shown interest in signing Xherdan Shaqiri in recent weeks.

Lazio appointed former Chelsea and Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri as their head coach in June. They are currently looking to bolster their attacking options after missing out on Champions League qualification last season.

Shaqiri recently expressed his desire to play under Maurizio Sarri.

He said:

"Igli Tare has been doing an excellent job at Lazio for years. If it’s true that he has great respect for me, then I’m honoured."

“I have been following Lazio for a long time, they are a top team. In general, due to my characteristics, I like to play more attacking football and [Maurizio] Sarri practices it. It would be intriguing.”

However, Liverpool are looking to recoup the fee they paid for Xherdan Shaqiri three years ago. His price tag could be a concern as Maurizio Sarri is operating on a tight budget this summer.

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#3 Napoli

Napoli have been linked with Xherdan Shaqiri in recent weeks

Napoli are another Serie A club that has been linked with Xherdan Shaqiri in recent weeks.

The Naples-based club struggled in Serie A last season, missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification after finishing 5th in the league table. They recently appointed Luciano Spalletti as their head coach and are looking to bring in new faces into the squad.

Shaqiri's style of play should tune in well with Luciano Spalletti's tactical philosophy, who prefers his team play aggressive possession-based football. The Swiss is also an accomplished set-piece taker and could share that responsibility with Lorenzo Insigne.

However, the Naples-based club have recently paid €19 million to sign Matteo Politano permanently from Inter Milan. It will be interesting to see if they can match Liverpool's valuation for Shaqiri.