Liverpool have recently confirmed that Xherdan Shaqiri has left the club and joined Lyon this summer on a permanent basis.
The Switzerland international arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2018 from Stoke City but struggled to become a regular starter over Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane out wide.
Shaqiri affirmed earlier this year that he wants to leave Liverpool as he is not getting games to play. Now, the Reds have confirmed that he has left the club and joined Lyon in this summer transfer window.
A statement was released in liverpoolfc.com, “Xherdan Shaqiri has today completed a permanent transfer to Lyon after three years with Liverpool. The Switzerland international finalised a switch that will see him embark on a new chapter in his career with the Ligue 1 club.
Everybody at Liverpool FC thanks Xherdan for his contributions over the past three seasons and wishes him the very best for the rest of his career.”
Is Harvey Elliot a right replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri in Liverpool?
Liverpool are understanding to have pocketed £9.5 million from the sale of Shaqiri. He leaves Anfield after scoring eight goals and setting up nine more in 63 appearances across all competitions.
The 29-year-old won the Champions League, Premier League and UEFA Super Cup under Jurgen Klopp’s tutelage. He has penned a deal with Lyon until the summer of 2024.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a fine Euro 2020, scoring three times as Switzerland made it to the quarter-finals. And he requested a move from Merseyside following the tournament.
Liverpool will view the deal as good business with the initial offer from Lyon just £4m. The club are unlikely to replace Shaqiri in the transfer market, with the focus on bringing through Harvey Elliott. The 18-year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Blackburn last season. He impressed against Burnley on Saturday in his first Premier League start. He is heavily involved in Liverpool’s second goal, scored by Sadio Mané. Jürgen Klopp views the midfielder as a key member of the first-team squad for this campaign.
