Xherdan Shaqiri says he’ll delay any decision over his future until after Euro 2020. The Liverpool man will discuss things with his agent.
Xherdan Shaqiri does not have a clear future. He’s undoubtedly a talented player but one without a clear place in Liverpool’s squad.
You can see that simply in his minutes last season. Shaqiri started just five Premier League games and totally 553 minutes. Not exactly a high-use player.
He has another worry on the horizon, too – Harvey Elliott. The teenager seems primed for a place in Liverpool’s squad and the most obvious spot is Shaqiri’s.
The Athletic claims Liverpool expect Shaqiri to depart, presumably as a result of Elliott’s rise. But there’s also a need to sell in order to buy new players. That, too, puts a question mark on the Swiss winger.
Unsurprisingly, that’s led to questions for Shaqiri about his future.
Xherdan Shaqiri on his future
“At the moment, I don’t really want to talk about it [his future],” said Shaqiri, per the Mirror.
“I have a contract there and after the Euros, of course, I will talk to my agent.
“We will look at the situation and then we will decide how to proceed.”
For what it’s worth, we think Shaqiri did enough in Switzerland’s Euro 2020 opener to draw offers. He had a fantastic game and one that will surely entice clubs into making a move for him.
Whether that’s his ideal scenario or not, we don’t know. It’s hard to see how remaining with Liverpool fits that description either, though.
If Jurgen Klopp and co. believe Elliott can play in the first-team squad next season, it leaves next to no room for Shaqiri. They’ll always prefer to give minutes to the player who’s only going to get better, rather than the one on a decline.
We do think it’s time to move on, then, but it’s entirely Shaqiri’s decision. His contract isn’t up this summer and Liverpool can push for a move as much as they like – he’ll stick around if he wants to.
The big decision-swinger for him will be having the right type of club interested in him. As we say, his Euro 2020 opener likely ensured that he will find such a club.
Another couple of games like that and we’d say it’s guaranteed. Right now, that looks like the best-case scenario for everyone.
Shaqiri gets his future, Liverpool get their cash, and both can look forward.