Liverpool winger reportedly has three options for Anfield exit Transfers
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Liverpool winger reportedly has three options for Anfield exit

Liverpool winger reportedly has three options for Anfield exit

Liverpool winger, Xherdan Shaqiri has three potential destinations for a move this summer, according to reports.

The Swiss playmaker has been a useful member of the Reds squad since his move from Stoke City. Able to play as either an attacking midfielder or a right-winger, he's a versatile option for a number of suitors.

According to Turkish journalist, Ekrem Konur, there are three options for the attacker.

Roma

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool is closed down by Fred of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool is closed down by Fred of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images)

This is an option that makes a lot of sense. Jose Mourinho will be looking to add quality to his new Roma attack, and Shaqiri would be an excellent option. With the Italian side not having massive cash to burn, the Swiss winger would provide an excellent, albeit, cheaper option.

Mourinho, while tactically flexible, mostly plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation. It's in this system where we've seen Jurgen Klopp get the best out of Shaqiri. Able to play in any of the three attacking midfield positions, he'd provide creativity as well as a threat from range.

The system also places less emphasis on Shaqiri's lack of pace. Instead, he'll attempt to drift between the lines, using his excellent creativity to find his attackers in dangerous positions.

The move would also work well for Shaqiri personally. With Liverpool's front three so heavily entrenched, Shaqiri has struggled for game time. At Roma however, he'd be instantly one of their top options upfront.

Lazio

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrate with The Premier League trophy following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrate with The Premier League trophy following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images)

Roma's city rivals also have an interest in Shaqiri, according to Mr. Konur. Their fortunes have somewhat dropped from their excellent form last season, sitting sixth in Serie A. This is in no small part to a major drop in goals, having scored 79 last season, they only have 61 this term, with one game to go. However, Shaqiri could provide some much-needed creativity for the Italian giants.

Simone Inzaghi usually plays with a 3-5-2 formation, which doesn't quite suit the 29-year-old. However, he could easily be brought in later on in matches. This would allow Inzaghi to switch to a 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2 formation. Having this sort of attacking flexibility would surely be a bonus for Inzaghi.

Another thing that Shaqiri adds is experience at the highest level of European competition. With two Champions League titles to his name, his knowledge of what is required at the peak of European competition will be vital for Lazio. However, whether Shaqiri would accept another rotational role is questionable.

Sevilla

LINCOLN, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup third round match between Lincoln City and Liverpool at Sincil Bank Stadium on September 24, 2020 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by Peter Powell/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup third round match between Lincoln City and Liverpool at Sincil Bank Stadium on September 24, 2020 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by Peter Powell/Getty Images)

Sevilla represents Shaqiri's final transfer option. Masters of picking up players on the cheap and giving them a new lease of life, the Swiss winger would be a typical Sevilla transfer. With few natural options from the right-wing, Shaqiri would provide a greater sense of balance and depth to Julian Lopetegui's front line.

Similar to Mourinho, Lopetegui has often opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation this season. With the likes of Alejandro Gomez and Lucas Ocampos to rotate with, there would be no issue creating chances for The Andalusian side. However, there would be questions about Shaqiri's age profile.

With three attacking players aged over 30, Shaqiri at 29 would only further age the team. Would Lopetegui opt for another older attacker in what is already any ageing squad? Or would he look to try for a younger option to augment his front line?

Whether he moves to Spain or Italy, Shaqiri will be remembered fondly at Anfield. Whether it be his brace against Manchester United or his performance against Barcelona, he has had some great moments for Liverpool.

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