Report: Liverpool midfielder open to Newcastle United transfer

Newcastle United have thrown their hat in the race for Xherdan Shaqiri, and the Liverpool outcast is open to joining the Magpies this summer.

Newcastle United are expected to be one of the busiest teams in England when the transfer window opens this summer. The takeover of the club, which has been dragging on since the second week of April, is expected to shake things up on Tyneside by attracting quality players to St. James’ Park.

Since the takeover paperwork was submitted to the Premier League, Newcastle United have been linked with several players at every position from across Europe. Some of the most notable names include Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani, Kalidou Koulibaly, Nabil Fekir, Willian, and many more.

The fun does not stop there as yet another name has been added to the Magpies’ summer transfer wishlist. According to a new report, Newcastle United are interested in securing the services of Liverpool’s midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

The report claims that representatives from Newcastle United have approached Shaqiri’s agent to enquire about his situation and possible interest in joining the Magpies. Unlike most of the players that have recently been linked with a move to Newcastle United, Shaqiri’s camp stated that he is open to leaving Anfield for St. James’ Park this summer.

The Swiss international has spent the last five seasons of his career in the Premier League – three with Stoke City and two with Liverpool. The former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan man had a significant impact for Stoke City, but has found it difficult to regularly break into the starting lineup at Liverpool.

Injuries have set Shaqiri back this season, which is why he has only featured in six league games, but he did make 30 appearances across all competitions last term. Shaqiri has made 114 Premier League appearances since 2015 and has 22 goals and 18 assists to his name.

In addition to his experience in the top flight, Shaqiri has also been an integral player for the Swiss national team. The 28-year-old has competed in multiple World Cup and Euro Cup tournaments, and has found the back of the net on 22 occasions for his nation.

Shaqiri could be available for a bargain price and Newcastle United would be foolish not to act this summer. At 28, Shaqiri is still in his prime, has five years of Premier League experience, a wealth of continental and international experience, and he would bring the best out of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Almiron has been playing out of position and the arrival of a winger would enable him to move back to his traditional number ten role. Saint-Maximin is recognized as the most dynamic player for Newcastle United and he attracts the attention of multiple defenders.

Adding Shaqiri to the opposite flank would enable the Magpies to have another technically gifted winger causing problems for opposing defenders. Having an attack-minded trio of Shaqiri, Almiron and Saint-Maximin is exactly what Newcastle United need if they aim to leave relegation battles in the past.

Share your thoughts regarding this potential move in the comments section below. Should Newcastle United act on their interest and bring in the two-time Champions League winner?