Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is closing in on the move to Ligue 1 outfit, Olympique Lyon, in a £9.5 million transfer deal. After a lengthy spell of negotiation, the clubs have come to a conclusion. The 29-year=old will be heading to Lyon very soon to complete the move.
The medicals will be on Monday before he pens a four-year contract with the French outfit. Lyon were interested in Shaqiri for a long time this summer as they were looking to bring in the Switzerland international as a replacement for Memphis Depay. Lyon offered only £4million initially and that made the Reds very angry as they did not want to negotiate further. But a higher offer came and Liverpool were happy to let Shaqiri play more first-team football. ]
Lyon manager Peter Bosz was eager to sign the Swiss star and finally, they have managed to rope in the crafty winger.
“Olympique Lyonnais is pleased to have finally reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer of the Swiss international midfielder, Xherdan Shaqiri,” a statement on Lyon’s website read.
“Shaqiri, who is encouraged by the OL project, will arrive in Lyon tonight where he will be welcomed by Juninho. The finalisation of the transfer remains conditional on the result of the medical examination that the player will pass this Monday morning and the finalisation of the last administrative formalities.”
The former Bayern Munich man had informed the Liverpool management that he wanted to leave Anfield in search of regular football. Hence he decided to join Lyon after looking at their interest in him. Shaqiri will leave Liverpool after mustering 64 appearances for the club in all competitions. He joined the club in 2018 from Stoke City and has bagged the Champions League, Club World Cup, Premier League and UEFA Super Cup during his time in Merseyside.
The Reds however are not looking to bring in a replacement in his place as youngster Harvey Elliot looks like the player who has taken his place in the team. The youngster can play in a midfield three or can slot in as a right-winger in a more advanced role.
According to Jurgen Klopp and his interviews, there won’t be any additions in midfield for the Reds. However, it will be interesting to see if they sign a new forward before the transfer window closes.
