Xherdan Shaqiri claims Liverpool made an offer for his signature in the summer, but Bayern Munich refused to sanction the transfer.
The Swiss ace is rated as one of the best young talents in world football, and he scored three goals in four World Cup matches in Brazil before his side were dumped out of the competition by Argentina in the last-16. As soon as he returned from South America he was linked with a host of clubs, including last season’s Premier League runners-up.
Indeed, this wasn’t the first time the Anfield club have expressed an interest in Shaqiri, as it was widely reportedly two years ago that they wanted to take him from Basle before he eventually joined Bayern in an €11.5million deal. He has since gone on to make 68 appearances for the German club, helping them win eight trophies in the past two seasons.
The 22-year-old has found a place in Pep Guardiola’s XI hard to come by, though, and only 10 of his 17 Bundesliga appearances last term came from a starting position. Despite this, Bayern obviously rate the midfielder highly, and he now claims this was the reason why they gave Liverpool little encouragement when they came knocking in the summer.
“Liverpool made a bid for me but Bayern put their foot down and told me, ‘We’re not going to sell you’,” said Shaqiri, before at least giving Brendan Rodgers some hope that he may reconsider his options when the January window opens. “My contract runs until 2016 and I could possibly extend it. I will consider my decision during the winter break.”
Shaqiri, meanwhile, poses the biggest danger to England when Roy Hodgson’s side travel to Basle for their first Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday night. To make matters worse for the visitors, they look certain to be without Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who has suffered a thigh injury which also makes him a doubt for the Reds clash with Aston Villa next weekend.
Liverpool fans, had you signed Shaqiri, where would have slotted into your starting XI? And do you think Rodgers should make a fresh move for him in the New Year? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below!
