Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri signs for Premier League club Liverpool

English club Liverpool FC have signed Switzerland star player Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City on a five-year long contract agreement. Liverpool succeeded in signing the player by triggering his £13 million release clause.

Shaqiri has shown decent form in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring one goal against Serbia to reach the round of 16. He had already made up his mind in June to leave Stoke and join a Premier League side.

EPL team Liverpool are looking to build up on their squad depth in the summer transfers, they have already signed Monaco midfielder Fabinho for £39 million and RB Leipzig’s star player Naby Keita.

It seems Shaqiri was destined to come to Anfield as his transfer to Liverpool was cancelled by Bayern in 2014. However, he will be wearing the number 23 shirt this season for the English side.

Shaqiri said: “As a player you always want to be on the biggest stage in football. A few years ago I wanted to come too but it didn’t happen. I’m really happy that now I’m finally here. I want to improve myself too, I want to be with the best and I want to win titles.

“It’s a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach. So I’m really glad and happy to be here.”

With Liverpool playing Dortmund in the International Champions Cup on 23rd July, the new signing will be able to add to the football scores of the 2017-18 Champions League runners-up.

For Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the Swiss star isn’t a new player. He has known him since Bundesliga days. Shaqiri had won the Champions league with Bayern in 2013 and for Liverpool to sign him was a no brainer according to the Liverpool boss.

Klopp said: “I know him well from his time in Switzerland and especially Germany – I have been a long-time admirer. But the added bonus now is that he knows the Premier League and what it takes to perform in this uniquely intense environment.

“He has speed and ability, has the right amount of arrogance on the football pitch, real bravery to want the ball and influence things.

“He is someone who makes a big difference to the squad and team, because he can fit in so many positions in our system.”