With news of Stoke City’s relegation from the Premier League last season, it didn’t take long for Xherdan Shaqiri to make it known that he would be departing them this summer with a reported £12million relegation release clause built into his deal.
Inevitably he wishes to remain in the Premier League and not experience Championship football and it’s probably fair to say he’s been linked most strongly to Liverpool. Everton feature though on the rumour mill and with Mark Hughes’ association with Southampton as our now permanent gaffer, the fact he’s the man who brought Shaqiri to the Potteries in the first place has obviously seen us linked with a move for him as well.
A number of other clubs have been namechecked but it largely seems like a free for all at this stage. With nothing concrete suggesting a move to St Mary’s Stadium is actually on the cards, it appears a large number of fans are perfectly happy with that following his World Cup showing for Switzerland the other day.
The game against Brazil saw him grab an assist as the Swiss picked up an unexpected 1-1 draw, but the 26-year-old’s work rate, team ethic and inability to track back to support his fullback (new Arsenal capture Stephan Lichsteiner) who was constantly outnumbered probably stood out to everyone watching.
It certainly did for these Southampton fans who took to social media to warn the club off making a move for him this transfer window. We’ll just have to see if Mark Hughes has a real interest or whether it has just been paper talk.
The original speculation comes from the Mirror.
Reminds me of boufal but just a bit better with the wages he wants I think we could better somewhere else
— Jaypeg89 (@Jaypeg1989) June 17, 2018
I’m glad I watched that one game to see Shaqiri & base my whole opinion on him. Or Neymar & 9 other Brazilian players. No thank you, we don’t want any of them at #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/yDCJlFbVwz
— James Simon (@GiveAndGo1212) June 17, 2018
He was very lazy tho so I don’t want him rather get some one who is hungry
— Jaypeg89 (@Jaypeg1989) June 17, 2018
#SaintsFC Shaqiri? Nah you're ok thanks. pic.twitter.com/whz4rXGS16
— Jon Steele-Mills (@thepump74) June 17, 2018
He is lazy also and has a questionable attitude would avoid at all costs
— Ekelund 24 (@Ekelund24) June 17, 2018
Rather keep Tadic of honest! Both are luxury players but at least Tadic puts a bit more in!
— Ray Bird (@castlebirdman) June 17, 2018
Shaqiri is a talented footballer, but just watching this game proves he's not a team player. Playing for your country and just giving up off the ball. I don't want that at my club thank you #SaintsFC
— Ben (@bensfc_) June 17, 2018
Watching #BRASWI tonight, I hope #saintsfc don’t sign Shaqiri. Lazy and completely ineffective. No tracking back and nothing going forward
— Ⓜ️a®️k ????️r????ge ™️ (@Bridgey1982) June 17, 2018
