Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basel)

Wednesday night's man of the match performance from FC Basel star Xherdan Shaqiri firmly put him on the Barclays Premier League radar with Liverpool eager to bring the attacking midfielder to England in January.

The 20-year-old provided the assist for both Basel goals against Manchester United which saw them progress to the latter stages of the competition and many pundits believe that his performance last night was a 'come and get me' plea from the Swiss international who has shown in recent game why he is destined for great things.

Basel are resigned to losing him when the transfer window re-opens, and Liverpool hope to take advantage and beat a whole host of clubs including Manchester City and Barcelona.

It's thought that Shaqiri has a desire to play in the Barclays Premier League though Barcelona hope to persuade the player to join them in Spain, but Liverpool are thought to be offering the promise of first-team football which could sway the youngster's decision.

Basel are believed to be holding out for around £15 million, however, with more clubs becoming interested at a fast rate, Basel could demand more for the player.

Source: Footylatest

After his performance against United and previous links to a move to us from last year. Do you think we should get him?

Admit I didn't like him, although watching the U-21 Euros this summer turned me on to his skill. I didn't see him against the Manc sh*te but by all accounts he was class.

Id take him. Price is everything though. Similar type to Silva and Mata

Only thing that raises doubt with me, is that he isn't very productive in the swiss league. Basel is the best swiss team too, first in the league. For a player to be good enough for us, I'd kind of expect him to be producing goals and assists all over the place.

I think i might be alone here but i don't quite see what's so special about him? He had a decent game but he didn't really impress me.

I think i might be alone here but i don't quite see what's so special about him? He had a decent game but he didn't really impress me.

Nah, you ain't alone he was all action and movement but very little else, no end product and a sh*te right peg. Who knows tho'; with a bit of work he might improve. Not for me, I'm afraid tho'.

I think i might be alone here but i don't quite see what's so special about him? He had a decent game but he didn't really impress me.

Agreed mate, couple of times I felt the other night he held onto the ball too much when a pass was on or as we called them when we were younger a "ball greedy b***ard"

Or "glory hunting b***ard" if you will.

Did he not make both goals bit much to say he has no end product. Only problem i have is his physique. Technically he has a lot of talent

Id take him. Price is everything though. Similar type to Silva and Mata

And we need play like these two!


Shaqiri is class, and had a excellent performance against scum. He would be a magnificent buy in my opinion!

He was greedy at times, but then he may think he needs to be with Basel, especially when playing United with the world watching. Eager to impress and all that.

He is also very left pegged, runs around the ball a lot just to get on his left foot, which is a negative.

I do however like him, and think he has a lot potential, certainly worth a place at a bigger European club IMO.

Maradona was one footed. His right leg was for standing on. Okay not a great comparsion. I said during the Fulham match we were missing a number ten. This lad could do a job for us he is a lot better than some think.  I first took notice of him last summer at the euros after tiago and martinez he was the best player there.

Would of been well worth the 5m in the summer. Not sure he's worth anymore than 8-10 like I said elsewhere

We should fast track stirling into that place instead, after all it worked for owen...sorry for swearing on here.

Sterling is currently struggling in the reserves.

Sterling is currently struggling in the reserves.

Yup, been a disappointing season so far for Raheem, add Suso into that as well so cannot see them breaking into the first team any time soon.

Sterling is currently struggling in the reserves.

Haven't watched them for a while, but could it be a case of burnout due to appearing for the England Youth in mexico during the summer.

But seeing his production in the swiss league, if he'd join us his production would probably intially halve, think that's a fair thing to assume. And that would mean he wouldn't make an immediate impact, or probably not even start for us. He'll need at least 1 or 2 seasons. Not sure if that's the type of player we need right now, and for that money also.

Id take him for ten million i think a playmarker number ten is exactly what we need to take the burden off Suarez for having to create everything

Haven't watched them for a while, but could it be a case of burnout due to appearing for the England Youth in mexico during the summer.

ya still only 16 still has a lot of developing to do

Id take him for ten million i think a playmarker number ten is exactly what we need to take the burden off Suarez for having to create everything

But he plays on the wing for Basel doesnt he?

He looked fairly central the other night when i watched him at them euros it was in a central role

Them euros? I just know he always plays on the right wing for Basel. He switches to the other side aswell, but Basel don't play with a 10 position. They play with 2 strikers, 2 wingers and 2 central more controlling midfielders.

To be honest, just from what I've seen of him he doesn't seem the playmaker type, not for a big club anyway. He doesn't exactly produce many assists either in the swiss league. Doesn't seem to have that abbility to read the game and have vision and brilliant passing. He's more the type to just dribble with the ball, make an action and end up with a shot or a cross.

More than capable of playing the role. He was more central the other night.  Im talking about the u-21s last summer.  I think he will end up playing a more central role when he gains more game intelligence. A bit like the way messi Silva and Mata all started in wide roles. I wouldn't buy him to play wide in a 4-4-2 but then that was on of the reasons not to buy Mata as well.

Better youngsters to be had for 10m in my opinion. Rather get Diego who i believe is on a free at the end of this season? (yes i know he's not young but if Shaqiri is a 10, i'd rather Diego).

Did Diego not join athletico last summer.  How is he doing with them.

I think this lad could suit the english game perfectly. Hes a tank and very strong. Id like to see him here

Sounds like an Indie Rock Band. \o/

Did Diego not join athletico last summer.

He is on loan.

Im tired of taking this guy for 10m, or that guy for 14, or another guy for 20 in hopes he comes good.. spend the money for a real player.  Spend on someone already proven and under 26 yrs old, make it happen, its the only way.  You buy 1 awesome player every window, that's all we really need to do.

Watched the game again this morning on replay. He honestly was nothing special. Nice few crosses but his game wasn't something to stand up and take notice of.

He will be too expensive for what he is worth since Basel will be asking a premium now that they have qualified to the knockout stages.

IMHO, I won't see he's leaving Basel during this January transfer windows.  Basel now is in last 16 of UCL.

Xherdan Shaqiri 2011 HD Boy Wonder

3 Tore von Xherdan Shaqiri ( Switzerland - Bulgaria 3-1 06.09.2011 )
What a player...he is just 20...very talented player.

Xherdan Shaqiri - This Is My Time

I can see a bit of Suarez in him in those videos.

Definitely has talent but get the feeling he enjoys being the big fish in a small pond and that he disappears far too often from what I've heard, certainly don't watch enough Basel football to have a strong negative feeling, just don't think he's right for us.

UNITED TARGET NEW MESSI

20th December 2011
By Jeremy Cross

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has joined arch-rivals Liverpool in the battle to sign Xherdan Shaqiri – the man dubbed the new Lionel Messi.

Shaqiri starred for Basel as they dumped Manchester United out of the Champions League earlier this month.

Now his reward could be a mega- money switch to Old Trafford as Fergie looks to bolster his midfield in next month’s transfer window.

Starsport understands United have sounded out his agent Ulisse Savini about a possible £10m switch to the Premier League champions.

Shaqiri, 20, has been likened to Messi following a string of impressive displays for Basel and Switzerland.

The creative midfielder, who was born in Kosovo, has a similar build to the Barcelona star and is also left-footed. He imp- ressed Fergie in both group games against United and is tipped to become one of the best players in Europe.

Liverpool have been tracking Shaqiri since Roy Hodgson was boss and Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has watched him several times.

Fergie is confident of landing him and can offer bigger wages, but Shaqiri is keen to help Basel progress in the Champions League knockout stages.

Fergie, who is also keen on Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan and Ajax’s Christian Eriksen, might have to wait until the end of the season before clinching a deal.

The United boss insists he won’t be doing much busi- ness in the transfer window, but the loss of Darren Fletcher is a huge blow.

He will not panic buy, but knows Shaqiri would be a long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/226405/UNITED-TARGET-NEW-MESSI/

UNITED TARGET NEW MESSI

20th December 2011
By Jeremy Cross

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has joined arch-rivals Liverpool in the battle to sign Xherdan Shaqiri – the man dubbed the new Lionel Messi.

Shaqiri starred for Basel as they dumped Manchester United out of the Champions League earlier this month.

Now his reward could be a mega- money switch to Old Trafford as Fergie looks to bolster his midfield in next month’s transfer window.

Starsport understands United have sounded out his agent Ulisse Savini about a possible £10m switch to the Premier League champions.

Shaqiri, 20, has been likened to Messi following a string of impressive displays for Basel and Switzerland.

The creative midfielder, who was born in Kosovo, has a similar build to the Barcelona star and is also left-footed. He imp- ressed Fergie in both group games against United and is tipped to become one of the best players in Europe.

Liverpool have been tracking Shaqiri since Roy Hodgson was boss and Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has watched him several times.

Fergie is confident of landing him and can offer bigger wages, but Shaqiri is keen to help Basel progress in the Champions League knockout stages.

Fergie, who is also keen on Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan and Ajax’s Christian Eriksen, might have to wait until the end of the season before clinching a deal.

The United boss insists he won’t be doing much busi- ness in the transfer window, but the loss of Darren Fletcher is a huge blow.

He will not panic buy, but knows Shaqiri would be a long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/226405/UNITED-TARGET-NEW-MESSI/

Wouldn't get too carried away with that, the Daily Star is more akin to a comic.

Wouldn't get too carried away with that, the Daily Star is more akin to a comic.

Lets not forget their replies to the emails supporting Rafa too.

United biased cu*ts.

Wouldn't get too carried away with that, the Daily Star is more akin to a comic.

I know, but it is still a newspaper article. I post all the LFC transfer rumors from the papers (apart from the sh*t-rag, of course), so anyone can make a judgement for himself.

They can have him.

SAF knows how to pick wingers. Beckham and Ronaldo in 20 years. Well played. Shaqiri will be added to his 'miss' list.

New Messi? Not a chance, there is only one Messi!

This kid is a beast! We have to go for him.

Xherdan Shaqiri is on the verge of completing his transfer to Galatasaray for €8 million

Would of been a good signing for LFC, ah well - Win some.. Lose some

Pity we keep letting these type of players get away Super little player and a snip for 8 million euros.

Xherdan Shaqiri is on the verge of completing his transfer to Galatasaray for €8 million

Would of been a good signing for LFC, ah well - Win some.. Lose some

Pity we keep letting these type of players get away Super little player and a snip for 8 million euros.

Very shocked he is ending up there.. No bigger club interested at that price? Very odd.

Very shocked he is ending up there.. No bigger club interested at that price? Very odd.

Not that odd. The rave reviews came after a good performance against England and United. That's just two performances.

He's a quality little player but that's about it.

Not that odd. The rave reviews came after a good performance against England and United. That's just two performances.

He's a quality little player but that's about it.

I havent watched enough of him to be perfectly honest.. But your obviously right. Otherwise one of the big boys would have been in for him.

I havent watched enough of him to be perfectly honest.. But your obviously right. Otherwise one of the big boys would have been in for him.

What, you mean like the big boys came in for Alonso and Torres when they signed for us? You can't judge a player's ability off how many teams wanted to sign him. Its not as though many people can have a well developed opinion of this lad considering he plays in a league that doesnt get much coverage in this country BUT whenever he has played and people have been able to watch (i.e. european games etc) then he hasnt let down.  Would cost a big fee for him to come here but would still have him.

dont know enough bout him myself but think he might be the next taarabt/arshavin

What, you mean like the big boys came in for Alonso and Torres when they signed for us? You can't judge a player's ability off how many teams wanted to sign him. Its not as though many people can have a well developed opinion of this lad considering he plays in a league that doesnt get much coverage in this country BUT whenever he has played and people have been able to watch (i.e. european games etc) then he hasnt let down.  Would cost a big fee for him to come here but would still have him.

I'm saying I don't know much about him simple as... But reports I'd heard people say he is a good player. Not debating someone I have no real idea of.

But as for Torres and Alonso we are one of the big boys and had CL football at that point to offer anybody.. I'd certainly not say we are on a level with Galatasaray.

if this guy slips through our fingers for just 8mill, I'll be very dissapointed. Going to Gala is not a big step forward for his career ad I fear that might not be the best decision. Every time I've watched him play, he was F***ing marvellous (especially during the under-21 Euros).

Im albanian and have taken a slight interest to those Swiss Albos at the youth levels and him along with Xhaka unless hampered by injuries and/or are complete fvking headcases will be class players....Shaqiri more than Xhaka, @ the very least I see Xhaka on the level of having a great career at a club like Aston Villa/Newcastle...Shaqiri is a special talent, has the ability to beat his man through skill and pace, his strength is underrated, their will be some growing pains with him adjusting to the EPL but hes perfectly able to....

this is the type of guy that fits the criteria of what was promised by FSG....hes flying under the radar (comes at a good price), hes young has not yet been labeled world class but has all the potential to get that label....we have not done that like @ all, Enrique (was under the radar) and Suarez (world class potential?) have fit that in some way

Im albanian and have taken a slight interest to those Swiss Albos at the youth levels and him along with Xhaka unless hampered by injuries and/or are complete fvking headcases will be class players....Shaqiri more than Xhaka, @ the very least I see Xhaka on the level of having a great career at a club like Aston Villa/Newcastle...Shaqiri is a special talent, has the ability to beat his man through skill and pace, his strength is underrated, their will be some growing pains with him adjusting to the EPL but hes perfectly able to....

this is the type of guy that fits the criteria of what was promised by FSG....hes flying under the radar (comes at a good price), hes young has not yet been labeled world class but has all the potential to get that label....we have not done that like @ all, Enrique (was under the radar) and Suarez (world class potential?) have fit that in some way

Not a bad breakdown that.. I know nothing of him myself.. I try not to trawl through youtube to look at players but.. 1 sec...

Just read that there may be a hiccup in Gala's signing of him.

Some hurdle has arisen.

Signed 4 year deal with Bayern Munich commencing this summer

9m euros, bargain.

why cant we ever find batgains like that

why cant we ever find batgains like that

Holy Molars, I dont know Robin...

Holy Molars, I dont know Robin...

BAM !! POW !!

 

Kinda frustrates me that I keep thinking we have to spend alot of money to sign quality players but I saww Shaqiri going for 9 million euros and Rafael van der Vaart joining Spurs for 8 million.

Kinda frustrates me that I keep thinking we have to spend alot of money to sign quality players but I saww Shaqiri going for 9 million euros and Rafael van der Vaart joining Spurs for 8 million.

Of course Adryan, in hindsight there are so many ( even ones like when Real took Xabi from us and let Sniedjer go for reportedly 15 m euros.) , and you hope that our scouting process start to pick up on these potential deals.

why cant we ever find batgains like that

Jose Enrique and Craig Bellamy are awaiting your apology.

I personally don't see him as a bargain at 9m. I think that's his proper value.

Jose Enrique and Craig Bellamy are awaiting your apology.

Haha, well said.

I really would've liked him to sign for us. I haven't seen too much of him but whenever I've watched him he's been fantastic. Especially against United.

What's he done exactly to be worth more? I'm not Shaqiri aficionado but he seems like a typical young player, confident and has some flair about him.

Not quite sure why this would equate to us missing out on a 'bargain' considering he hasn't done anything worthy of note to be classified as a top player or have the potential to be one. He has reportedly done well in the Swiss league and produced two good crosses in the Champions League.

What's he done exactly to be worth more? I'm not Shaqiri aficionado but he seems like a typical young player, confident and has some flair about him.

Not quite sure why this would equate to us missing out on a 'bargain' considering he hasn't done anything worthy of note to be classified as a top player or have the potential to be one. He has reportedly done well in the Swiss league and produced two good crosses in the Champions League.

Shaqiri is exactly the type of a player that we should be pursuing, considering our restrictive spending policy, in compliance with the FFP rules.

Certainly much wiser than spending 20 million on Downing.

If ths over rated kid has signed for Bayern why is this stil open?

If ths over rated kid has signed for Bayern why is this stil open?

I wouldn't say his overrated, his still young with tons of potential.  But I saw this still open too, when his signed with bayern already.