August 23, (THEWILL) – Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed that they have reached an “agreement in principle” to sign midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri from the English Premier League club Liverpool.
The 29-year-old had been linked with an exit for much of the summer window having failed to break into Jurgen Klopp’s line-up in his three years on Merseyside with the Reds.
The English club paid around £13m for him back in 2018, but minutes have become increasingly limited in recent time thanks to the vast array of attacking talent at Anfield.
The Swiss international intends to get more regular club minutes after continuing his impressive record at international tournaments during Euro 2020 where Switzerland progressed steadily until they were knocked out by penalty-shots against Spain at the quarter-finals stage.
Shaqiri’s goal at the European Championships competition made him only one of just four players to have scored at the last four major tournaments, stretching back to the World Cup in 2014 hosted by Brazil.
The midfielder had just 12-months remaining on his current deal and although the club had the option to extend that for a further year, they were keen to bring some funds in amid the financial difficulties surrounding the COVID-19 scourge and the havoc it wrecked in Sports.
Personal terms have reportedly been agreed upon between the player and Lyon. The deal Is set up be officially confirmed by the Ligue 1 side and Shaqiri will fly to France on Sunday night, ahead of his medical on Monday morning prior to signing the contract.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
