Why Liverpool have to sell Xherdan Shaqiri this summer

Liverpool are in an interesting position heading into the summer transfer window. Although there are rumors speculating that they could make some big moves in the attack, for example, the offseason will likely be more about cleaning up space and making tweaks to bolster weak spots so that they can make another run at Manchester City and the Premier League title in 2021-2022.

As part of this process, the Reds will need to make a lot of moves when it comes to selling off fringe players. And one of the players who absolutely needs to be sold is attacker Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Swiss international has carved out a decent career for himself after once being a hyped prospect at Bayern Munich. Stops at Inter Milan and Stoke followed, but Shaqiri really did find new life as a role player under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, much like Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.

Like Ox, Shaqiri could easily move this summer, as he has also been knocked far down the squad list. Shaqiri played a meager 553 minutes in the Premier League this past season, ranking 19th on the team. Though he had two assists, Shaqiri never scored a goal.

Liverpool could use the funds generated by a Xherdan Shaqiri sale

At the age of 29, Shaqiri is pretty much at the end of his prime, though he has a couple of decent years left in him. Due to his injury risk, lack of recent production, and age, there are only a limited number of teams interested in rolling the dice on Shaqiri. And he won’t command a high fee.

Yet, he should still give Liverpool close to 10 million euros, in addition to the wage space he clears. In the pandemic, every little bit helps, and that “little bit” could aid the Reds in signing a talented up-and-coming midfielder who can help replace Gini Wijnaldum, for example.

Shaqiri has enough natural talent to draw interest from clubs that can afford to take him on. He even has the upside to be a strong player with more minutes. Fenerbahce are said to be interested in the experienced and versatile attacking midfielder, and he can bring what he’s learned from Klopp, in addition to his skill and athleticism.

Liverpool need to make more than a handful of sales this summer. Shaqiri no longer has a role in the club, and it is important for the Reds to make some money that they can use on younger players who also have more to give in the short-term, based on the fit they can provide and need they can fill in the squad.