Liverpool have announced the arrival of Stoke midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri after triggering his £13.5m release clause.
Shaqiri has secured an immediate return to the Premeir League following Stoke’s relegation last season and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have moved for the Switzerland international in order to bolster their offensive options ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January but Shaqiri as not been signed as a direct replacement and they are still on the market for a big marquee name to fill the Brazilian’s void.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he told the 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.
“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.”
The Merseyside outfit believe there is no risk in signing Shaqiri due to his release clause and believe his versatility will prove key to their chances of success on all fronts next season.
Shaqiri is often widely criticised but the 26-year-old managed to play a direct hand in 15 league goals for Stoke last season despite the fact the Potters battled relegation for the entire campaign.
Many have questioned whether Shaqiri is capable of carrying out the high intensity pressing game that Klopp likes, but only Eden Hazard (9) has won possession in the attacking third more times than Liverpool’s new signing at the 2018 World Cup (8).
