Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri becomes the third Liverpool FC signing of this summer transfer window, joining Naby Keita and Fabinho. The 26-year-old signs a five-year deal with the northwest England club after the Reds reportedly paid his £13 million release clause from his Stoke City deal.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Shaqiri told his new club’s official website. “It’s a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach. So I’m really glad and happy to be here.”
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 13, 2018
“As a player you always want to be on the biggest stage in football. A few years ago I wanted to come too but it didn’t happen. I’m really happy that now I’m finally here. I want to improve myself too, I want to be with the best and I want to win titles. That’s what I’m here for.”
Shaqiri, who had been linked to the Reds in previous summer transfer windows, may not be the sexiest signing possible, but his addition is a truly an underrated piece of summer transfer business.
He was very productive for one of the league’s worst teams last season, and at Anfield he’ll be surrounded by plenty of talent.
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 13, 2018
“I think the English phrase to explain the decision to sign Xherdan is a ‘no-brainer’. When someone like him becomes available in this way you have to react if you are smart – and we have,” Klopp said as he explained why this deal makes a lot of sense.
“From our perspective, he is someone who makes a big difference to the squad and team, because he can fit in so many positions in our system. He gives us greater flexibility in how we can use our current players also. This is cool.”
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