How Xherdan Shaqiri Could Make Summer Signings Difficult For Liverpool

Xherdan Shaqiri’s playing time on the pitch could make signing players a little more difficult for Liverpool this summer.

It’s clear to see that the Reds are happy with their first-team – why wouldn’t they be?

Liverpool’s first-team is not in need of replacements this summer.

What the Reds do lack, though, is a bench to rival Manchester City.

The Citizens, for instance, have the four most costly wingers in Premier League history to pick from.

In comparison, Liverpool signed Xherdan Shaqiri for £13m to offer depth.

That’s not to say he hasn’t done that. His goals, mostly around Christmas, were crucial. Since then, though, the Swiss hasn’t played too much.

Shaqiri started the Reds’ last two games of 2018 against Newcastle United and Arsenal.

In 2019, he’s started just four – two in the Premier League – appearing in just 11 matches.

Of his seven substitute features, Shaqiri played over 20 minutes just two times. Considering Liverpool are looking for squad options this summer, that may be disturbing.

Players won’t want to arrive knowing that Jurgen Klopp prefers to stick to his tried-and-trusted XI? He doesn’t appear to like a lot of rotation and you’d have to rival Shaqiri, too.

Then there’s the returning Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to contend with as well as Rhian Brewster, too.

A successful signing or not, Shaqiri’s game time this season may cause players to think twice this summer.

This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago