Unsettled Powerhouse Could Be Liverpool Bound In January

Reports claim that Liverpool are still interested in signing Xherdan Shaqiri from Bayern Munich and may make a move in the January transfer window.

Shaqiri himself seemed to have ended all speculation of a move to Liverpool over the summer, when he announced he would be staying at Bayern Munich. He now seems to have made a complete turn around by recently admitting he will reassess his future at the German giants in the winter break.

What could have made Shaqiri have a change of mind? Shaqiri is an immense talent no doubt, he has shown that at Bayern Munich, and we also saw him at the world cup with Switzerland where he was their star player. At Bayern Munich he is not a regular starter, especially this season under Pep Guardiola, this could have informed the change of mind by Shaqiri. At Bayern Munich the competition is fierce. Shaqiri is battling for a starting shirt with the likes of Argen Robben, Frank Ribbery, Lewandoski and has found a starting shirt hard to come by.

Also considering his situation, Shaqiri could also want a change of environment as well as a new league in order to get more playing time.

The decision to leave Bayern Munich does not entirely depend on Shaqiri, he cannot decide his future by himself as such decision depends on Bayern Munich. He admits his future is in the club’s hands as he is still tied to a long-term contract, therefore Bayern Munich will decide his fate.

Liverpool on the other hand will be spurred on by recent events, it was reported over the summer that they were tracking Shaqiri throughout last summer, and would now be watching events closely.

Shaqiri will be a welcome addition at Liverpool. Liverpool have not been the same level as last season, we have not seen the blazing start to games, free flowing attack, early goals and more this season. Liverpool have brought in a lot of players this season to compensate for the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, but things have not worked out well so far, the likes of Balotelli, Lalana, Markovic, Lambert have not gelled well together so far, putting pressure on coach Bredan Rodgers.

Shaqiri will not be a direct replacement for Suarez but could be a lot of help to Liverpool. Shaqiri is fast, skillful, intelligent and has an eye for goal. A partnership with Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling could push Liverpool back to the top.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool will get their man, Shaqiri himself has not come out openly so far to say or show he wants to join Liverpool. Also with reports claiming Juventus showed interest in Shaqiri in the summer, who knows where he will end up. Also the decision of where he will play depends on Bayern Munich if they will be willing to sell .

Pep Guardiola may still have Shaqiri in his plans, especially with the probability of injuries and loss of form affecting the team in the course of the season. As witnessed earlier in the season at Bayern Munich had injuries which lead to Bayern Munich entering the transfer market late to buy Xabi Alonso to cover up in midfield.

We shall wait till January to see if Shaqiri does leave Bayern Munich and if Liverpool will be his preferred destination.