Liverpool signing players from relegated clubs has always been a thing during our modern era.
Off the top of our heads, we can think of Charlie Adam from Blackpool, Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle, Danny Ings from Burnley and Andy Robertson from Hull, to name but a few.
And this summer’s lucky player could be Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri.
SEE MORE:
Big boost for Liverpool in Fekir chase – Reliable French Report
According to reliable Liverpool correspondent Melissa Reddy, the club is interested in paying the Swiss international’s £12m release clause, which became active when the Potters were demoted to the Championship.
Genuine interest from #LFC in Xherdan Shaqiri, who would provide depth across the attacking positions. Danger from set-pieces, creative, can be decisive in the final third. Release clause of around £12 million makes it low risk.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) June 6, 2018
Providing we sign Lyon captain Nabil Fekir as well, and Shaqiri arrives as a talented bench-option, we don’t mind.
If Shaqiri is an alternative to Fekir, we’ll be very disappointed, in truth.
Simon Hughes in the Independent says that one of those deals could go through in the next 24 hours, and given the fact we’re struggling to agree a fee with Lyon, Shaqiri looks much more likely.
Here’s how the fans have taken the news:
https://twitter.com/bririley70/status/1004413281497419776
On Shaqiri, people are suggesting he's not an upgrade on what Liverpool have already got. True, but he's an option, and they sure as hell could have used the pace option from the bench in the Champions' League final. #LFC
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) June 6, 2018
The thing with Shaqiri is I'm worried he thinks a gegenpress is a type of melted cheese toasted sandwich.
— Beav (@__Beav) June 6, 2018
Very difficult to upgrade on the current front 3, so the emphasis should be on improving the backup options. There aren't really any wide forwards in the squad other than Salah & Mané. For £12m, Shaqiri would be a decent squad player.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) June 6, 2018
Shaqiri would be a great addition for Liverpool, 12 million for him would be a steal 👌
— Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) June 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1004410268024270848
Our attacking back up options last season consisted mainly of Ings or Solanke. Shaqiri offers a lot more than both, and £12m is hardly a risk in this market
— GCIIMessi (PixelPrintDesign) (@GCIIMessi) June 6, 2018