According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Stoke about the possibility of signing Xherdan Shaqiri.
Stoke City were relegated to the Championship after a nightmare season in the Premier League. One of Stoke’s most prized assets is Shaqiri, whose contract contains a £12million relegation release clause.
In complete contrast to Stoke’s season, Spurs ended their league campaign with a 5-4 win over Leicester City on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino heads into a very crucial summer, as Spurs have not only qualified for the Champions League but will also move into the new stadium.
Indeed, signing a couple of top quality players would be on Pochettino’s wishlist, including Stoke’s Shaqiri.
Basel, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are the clubs on Shaqiri’s CV, which tells us about what kind of player he is. However, from being a treble-winner with Bayern in 2013 and getting relegated with Stoke, the 26-year-old’s career has not panned out how we would have desired. Yet, his talent is unquestionable.
When Shaqiri is in on form, he can produce moments of real genius and incredible goals from anywhere on the pitch. He hit 8 goals and 7 assists for Stoke this season, being the doomed club’s chief creative force.
The stocky Swiss ace would inject some pace into the attack and his tireless work rate would surely appeal to Pochettino. The Tottenham gaffer favours a high-pressing game, with his players defending up front and Shaqiri could be a vital player in his system.
Shaqiri is a brilliant winger and on his day, can be a devastating player. He is very talented and has a lot of potential which he could fulfil at Tottenham. He would add more creativity and directness to Spurs’ play, which has been lacking at times this season.
The 26-year-old is a diminutive attacker but knows how to use his body well, shrugging off opponents with his skill and bravery when in possession.
Width, pace, energy and guile – Shaqiri has everything a winger craves to have. The Switzerland international also never shies away from doing the defensive duties asked by his manager, which increases his value in any team. Being a left-footed player, Shaqiri would bring a different variety to the current pool of Spurs attackers.
Lucas Moura may have been signed in January but the Brazilian is yet to settle down in England. Lucas’ signing was a shrewd piece of business and may suggest the north London outfit don’t need a winger at the moment. However, signing Shaqiri would add depth to their squad and also enhance competition among players.
Having played in the Champions League with Bayern, Shaqiri would also be able to help Spurs in Europe. With the killer touch noticeably lacking, the Swiss ace’s acquisition would be a real statement of intent by Spurs before moving to the new £850m stadium.