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Xherdan Shaqiri, Liverpool Agree to Contract After Stoke City Transfer
July 13, 2018
Xherdan Shaqiri has left Stoke City for Liverpool after signing a "long-term contract" with the Reds on Friday.
The news was announced in a report from Sam Williams of the club's official website, with Shaqiri saying: "I'm very happy to be here. It's a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach. So I'm really glad and happy to be here."
James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo provided more details of the fee paid and terms signed:
Naturally, manager Jurgen Klopp has endorsed the deal:
Klopp's confidence is somewhat curious on two fronts. First, Shaqiri, who was relegated with the Potters last season, is joining an already front-loaded squad well-stocked with match-winners in attacking areas.
Specifically, the flanks are in good hands thanks to prolific duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. While he's a gifted, mercurial winger, Switzerland international Shaqiri is likely to struggle for starts ahead of either man.
However, some, including Sam McGuire of Football Whispers, believe Shaqiri will be an asset regardless of the competition in front of him:
"He's got a point to prove and this is perhaps his last chance to make it with a big club. The bodybuilding ballerina steps up when he's surrounded by quality, he did so when in Bavaria, and there's no reason he can't be as productive when lining up alongside Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino."
McGuire outlined several ways Shaqiri could fit into the Liverpool lineup, although he missed perhaps the most interesting shift. Having Shaqiri may give Klopp more license to play star man Salah, who scored 32 league goals last season, through the middle.
Although the 26-year-old gives Klopp yet another versatile forward, many would rightly contend Liverpool's transfer priorities should lie elsewhere.
In particular, a new goalkeeper seems like a priority after Loris Karius made two high-profile blunders during the club's 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final back in May.
A centre-back to replace Joel Matip and Dejan Lovre alongside Virgil van Dijk would also make sense for a defence breached 38 times in as many matches in the Premier League last season.
Issues at the back could once again undermine arguably the most dynamic and entertaining going forward in England's top flight. For the moment, though, Klopp appears content to continue building for success on a foundation of goals and creativity.