Tottenham Hotspur reportedly wanted to sign Xherdan Shaqiri but were beaten to the punch by Saturday’s Premier League opponents, Liverpool.
Depending on where you stand, Tottenham’s failure to bring in new players either helps Mauricio Pochettino to get the best out of the players already at his disposal or perhaps suggests that they are standing still while their rivals strengthen.
And one player who Spurs seemingly tried and failed to sign over the summer could come back to haunt them on Saturday.
Liverpool paid just £13 million, a real bargain in today’s market, to sign Xherdan Shaqiri from relegated Stoke City. According to the Gambling Times, Tottenham were interested too but The Reds were in a position to offer a greater financial package.
Shaqiri has made just two substitute appearances for Liverpool so far but could be handed his first start as Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to North London on Saturday lunchtime.
The Swiss international was in terrific form over the international break, particularly in the 6-0 thrashing of Iceland, and may be rewarded with a place in Klopp’s XI, or at least a role as an impact sub on the bench.
Now, Tottenham might not have the funds to compete with some of their Premier League rivals in the transfer market, particularly with the costs of building a new stadium, but Shaqiri’s £13 million release clause meant he was well within Daniel Levy’s budget.
Now, the 26-year-old has a chance to show Spurs what they’re missing.
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