Shaqiri signing represents incredible value for Liverpool

Xherdan Shaqiri divides opinion among Liverpool fans. But just why exactly is that, and should you be excited about the bargain signing?

The most obvious point to address first is the bargain nature of the acquisition. At just £13m, Shaqiri is far from breaking the bank. For context, Liverpool received around £8m 12 months ago for Kevin Stewart.

In today’s market, Shaqiri’s fee is next to nothing. That places Liverpool in a great position before the player has kicked a ball as the risk involved is greatly reduced.

In a worst case scenario, Shaqiri doesn’t perform to the standard required to hold down a place in the squad (in my opinion, unlikely) and is sold on in 12-24 months. At still only 26, Liverpool will be able to command a fee likely in excess of the £13m they shelled out this summer.

It is not possible to know the intricate details. However, it seems Shaqiri and his agent stipulated in his Stoke City contract that he would only sign if they agree to such a low release clause.

This allowed Stoke to get a great player normally unobtainable to them, while the player simultaneously puts himself in the shop window. The low release clause keeping him available for a move back to a “big club”.

Shaqiri’s Stats

In a struggling Stoke side, Shaqiri managed 8 goals and 7 assists last season. With better players around him, is easy to see him reproducing solid figures again as a squad player.

For those looking for context, Sadio Mane ended the season with 10 goals and 7 assists, albeit from 7 fewer appearances (Premier League).

Aside from pure goal/assist figures, Shaqiri still stacks up in other important metrics.

According to Squaka, Shaqiri created 75 chances for teammates, and racked up 68 key passes in the Premier League last season.

Again for purposes of comparison (and in no way suggesting he is a better player), Mane produced 45 chances and 38 key passes. Will he fit in Klopp’s system?