It’s been well established that Liverpool do good business in the transfer market these days and there’s a long list of signings under Jürgen Klopp that prove that.
While the Reds’ big money signings have taken the headlines in recent times, their work at the other end of the market also stands out.
Xherdan Shaqiri is the perfect example. The Switzerland international joined from Stoke City in a £13m deal last summer in a move pretty much everyone agreed was a smart one for the Reds.
They got an experienced international with a ton of Premier League and European experience to bolster the squad at a more than reasonable price.
The deal looked even better as last season progressed, with Shaqiri making notable contributions from the bench, with impressive displays against the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich in particular.
Despite that, it was something of a frustrating year for him as he started just 11 Premier League games and two Champions League, featuring on the bench more often than not.
“I’m disappointed that I did not play any more,” he told Langenthaler Tagblatt.
“Nobody likes to sit on the bench. It’s clear that I want more time. I have to look at the situation and find a solution.”
Whether that solution is an increase in playing time or a move away from Anfield remains to be seen.
Liverpool could certainly do with resting the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino as much as possible given their hectic schedule this season, and that should present Shaqiri with more opportunities.
Similarly, Liverpool’s lack of signings this summer should put him right at the front of the queue if Jürgen Klopp elects to rotate his squad.
That would mean him remaining on the bench for the foreseeable future, though, and that is something he doesn’t seem thrilled about.
