Liverpool join the race to sign Swiss playmaker
Liverpool are the latest side to be linked with a move for Basel midfielder, Granit Xhaka, with a view to making a summer move for the teenager.
The Reds will join Manchester United, Juventus and CSKA Moscow in the chase for Xhaka’s signature, making for a tough battle on their hands come season’s end.
Xhaka recently heard that his club teammate and international compatriot Xherdan Shaqiri would be moving to Bayern Munich this summer and the 19 year-old might be tempted by a move away for himself.
The youngster has made eighteen starts for Basel this campaign, scoring a sole goal and registering two assists in the process.
Xhaka’s exploits haven’t gone unnoticed by Ottmar Hitzfeld either and since making his debut in 2011, Xhaka has made six appearances for the Swiss national team.
Kenny Dalglish splurged over £25m on the signatures of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam last summer but looks ready to go into the market for another central midfielder in 2012.
In the absence of Luca Leiva, Liverpool have looked particularly vulnerable in defensive midfield and although the Brazilian is expected to return to full fitness before next season, cover in the position wouldn’t go astray.
Should Xhaka complete a move to Anfield, his transfer would be protracted to cost the club around £8m; something the New England Sports Venture funded Liverpool would easily be able to afford given their recent transfer expenditures.
Financial Fair Play lies just around the corner meaning teams will be watching the pennies this summer, however Liverpool don’t look certain to make it into European competition, meaning the potential bans wouldn’t hold quite as much risk to their immediate future.
