David Silva left Manchester City last week after a decade at the Etihad Stadium. The Spaniard is undoubtedly a club legend after winning every domestic trophy with the Citizens in his 10-year stay.
Silva was expected by many to move to Italy to join Lazio on a free transfer. Everything looked set but things took an unexpected turn. Silva snubbed a move to the Biancocelesti in favour of a return to Spain where he joined Real Sociedad.
That ruined Lazio’s plans for that position which left their Sporting Director, Igli Tare, fuming. The Italians, who are preparing for a season in the Champions League, now have to find another attacker, and a report claims that they have a few big names on their shortlist.
Corriere dello Sport claim that Lazio’s dream signing would be Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez while they are also considering the option of bringing back Felipe Anderson from West Ham United.
However, the surprise name on their reported wish list is Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss international was a shrewd signing by Jurgen Klopp’s men back in the summer of 2018, but he is no longer needed at Anfield.
A fresh start at Lazio would be good for Shaqiri
Shaqiri played only 11 times in all competitions last season, of which just three came from the start.
The former Bayern Munich man has to leave Liverpool if he wishes to play regularly again and Lazio would be a very interesting option.
Simone Inzaghi’s side had a phenomenal campaign in the league where they finished just five points behind eventual champions Juventus. The Biancocelesti are on a good path and a few additions would help them go a long way in competing with the top sides in the country.
Shaqiri would bring in considerable experience should he sign for them. The Liverpool star can play on both flanks as well as in attacking midfield.
The former Basel man still has three years on his contract and Liverpool might make it hard for clubs to lure him away. However, if the Swiss international pushes for a move, and if Lazio really are serious, a transfer should go through this summer without too many problems.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
