Why West Ham should make a move for Xherdan Shaqiri in January

According to a report from the Guardian, Manuel Lanzini is set to be out for two months after fracturing his collarbone during West Ham’s 3-0 defeat against Burnley at the weekend.

The Argentina international, 26, had to have oxygen, following a collision with Ashley Westwood during the added time in the second half at Turf Moor. He was removed from the pitch on a stretcher and was subsequently taken to hospital.

Lanzini’s injury has compounded further misery on Manuel Pellegrini, whose side slumped into 16th place after yet another lacklustre display. They are winless in their last six league matches.

West Ham’s defensive frailties have been exposed by the absence of Lukasz Fabianski, who is out after a torn hip muscle. At the other end of the pitch, the Hammers have lacked energy, creativity, penetration and, more importantly, goals.

Sebastien Haller is without a goal for four games while Pablo Fornals hasn’t set the world alight, following his summer switch from Villarreal.

Felipe Anderson has looked like a shadow of his former self and his form will be a real concern for Pellegrini. And with Lanzini set to be sidelined for two months, the east Londoners can certainly do well by signing a creative midfielder in January.

Back in May, the Metro had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri (h/t The Daily Post). However, a deal didn’t materialize before the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

Xherdan Shaqiri, 28, only joined Liverpool last summer from Stoke City for £13m. He had a mixed debut season at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp mainly using him as an impact substitute. The Swiss winger has barely featured for the Reds this season and missed the international breakthrough injury too.

With Shaqiri failing to nail down a regular place in Klopp’s side, West Ham must reignite their interest in the player during the January transfer window.

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Capable of playing on either wing and behind the striker, the 28-year-old forward would be a solid option for the Hammers, adding a lethal option in the final third.

West Ham already have an attack with plenty of quality but Shaqiri could make them more of a threat. The Switzerland international undoubtedly has what it takes to be a hit at the London Stadium.

Verdict

West Ham must go all in for Shaqiri in January, as the former Bayern Munich man will add a much-needed cutting edge to their attack.