Xherdan Shaqiri officially joined Liverpool after completing a series of medical tests on Friday (13/7).
Liverpool agreed to redeem Shaqiri from Stoke City with a tag of £ 13 million. The club has not announced the duration of Shaqiri’s contract, but only write long-term agreements.
Shaqiri became the third newest player of Liverpool after Naby Keita and Fabinho, who joined in the transfer market this summer. Shaqiri will use the number 23. The number was previously used by Emre Can who decided to move to Juventus.
“I am very happy to be here, Liverpool is a great club with great history, great players and an outstanding coach, I am very grateful and happy to be here,” Shaqiri told the club’s official website.
Shaqiri’s career had skyrocketed after joining Bayern Munich in 2012. Three years later he tried his luck to the Italian League with Inter Milan, but his career stalled.
He then received a proposal of Stoke City in 2015. However he decided to leave after Stoke relegated from Premier League.
Shaqiri actually almost join with Liverpool since 2014 which at that time trained by Brendan Rodgers. However, fate has not taken him to arrive early at Anfield until finally spotted four years later.
“As a player, of course you always want to be on the biggest stage. Some years ago I wanted to move to Liverpool but it did not happen. I’m so glad that now can be here.”
“I also want to develop myself with the best players and get the title, which is why I am here,” he explained.
According to coach Juergen Klopp, Shaqiri’s experience in the Premier Leagues – the top league of the English League – become added value which will be very useful.
“I’m an old admirer of Shaqiri, we (Liverpool) got a bonus because he already knows the Premier League,” Klopp said.
“He has speed and abillity, Shaqiri is a courageous and influential player in the field and can play in many positions in our system,” Klopp added.
For three seasons playing in the Premier League with Stoke, Shaqiri has played 84 total times and scored 15 goals and 15 assists. Shaqiri will join Juergen Klopp forces in three tour matched in the United States (US), where they will play the International Champions Cup (ICC) against Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Shaqiri appear impressive with Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup. His goal in the final minute against Serbia led Switzerland to qualify for the round of 16. Unfortunately, A-Team Nati failed to go further after defeated by Sweden 0-1.
