Former Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri is closing in on a move to MLS, Lyon confirmed on Friday.
Reports indicate that Shaqiri is set to join the Chicago Fire, with Lyon confirming that the Swiss star is out of the squad for a match against Monaco to finalize the deal.
Shaqiri joined Lyon this summer from Liverpool in a $7m transfer, but is set to leave just a few months into his three-year deal.
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According to a report by MLSsoccer.com, Lyon will recoup that full transfer fee plus a slight bonus, with Shaqiri costing the Fire/MLS $7.5 million. He would be labeled as a Designated Player, according to the report.
What did Lyon say about Shaqiri?
“The management of Olympique Lyonnais and Peter Bosz inform that they have granted Xherdan Shaqiri’s request to be able to start discussions with an MLS club as part of a future transfer,” the French side said in a statement.
“As a result, the Swiss international midfielder did not take part in today’s training session and will not be part of the group that will travel to Monaco tomorrow evening as part of the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1.”
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Shaqiri started the season as a regular for the Ligue 1 side after joining this summer, starting in six straight league matches through September and October, but has lost his place in the side, making just four appearances since then. Overall he has two goals and three assists in 11 league appearances, while being blanked in five Europa League matches.
At Chicago, Shaqiri has a connection, as sporting director Georg Heitz worked for Swiss side Basel when Shaqiri broke through early in his career, playing for the Swiss club from 2009-2012 after making the leap from the academy.
Shaqiri’s career so far
Shaqiri has played for several of the world’s top clubs during his professional career, winning the Champions League twice – once with Bayern Munich and once with Liverpool.
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He’s won the Bundesliga three times, the Premier League once and the Swiss league three times with Basel while also featuring for Italian giants Inter.
Additionally, the 30-year-old attacker has earned 100 caps with the Swiss national team, scoring 26 goals.
What does it mean for Chicago?
Shaqiri will provide a top-level European talent to Chicago’s midfield, likely playing in a #8 or #10 role to support new striker Kacper Przybylko and recently acquired 18-year-old attacking talent Jhon Duran.
A look at the Chicago Fire’s depth chart pending the potential Xherdan Shaqiri move. Some questions/intrigue, obviously:
-Ezra to go with a 4-3-3?
-Shaqiri gonna be No. 10 or RW?
-Can Duran play on either wing so him + Przybylko can play together? pic.twitter.com/p43XPVtjBP— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 4, 2022
The versatile Swiss (army knife) can also play out wide on the wing, if new head coach Ezra Hendrickson chooses to deploy Shaqiri in that manner.
Shaqiri’s arrival makes use of the club’s second Designated Player slot, alongside Paraguay international midfielder Gaston Gimenez. They would have one open slot remaining.
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