West Ham United have once again been mentioned as a possible destination for Liverpool outcast Xherdan Shaqiri.
West Ham were linked with Shaqiri both last summer and again this (Read Liverpool).
But the Swiss moved to Liverpool from Stoke for a bargain £13million (Football London).
And the reported West Ham target remained at Anfield this season where he has seen even less action despite Liverpool’s hectic fixture list.
New report suggests Shaqiri to West Ham
In fact Shaqiri has made just three substitute appearances in all competitions this term.
Now a new report by Soccer Souls claims West Ham must sign Shaqiri to help their bid for a European place.
In many respects the move could easily be facilitated by West Ham.
They certainly have room for Shaqiri on the wage bill after a host of high-earning departures from West Ham over the summer.
According to Spotrac, the playmaker earns £80,000 per week at Liverpool, the same as Lucas Perez was earning with the Hammers.
Swiss financials not a problem for Hammers
And after a meagre £25million net spend during the transfer window, the Hammers should have plenty of money if they did want to make the deal happen.
But the mere suggestion borders on the ridiculous. West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini already has a surplus of attacking midfielders.
It isn’t happening for most of them at the moment. But with everyone fit the Chilean has Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Pablo Fornals, Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass to choose from for three positions.
Shaqiri talk borders on ridiculous, unless…
Pellegrini also has Grady Diangana out on loan at West Bromwich Albion. And there is the likes of Nathan Holland emerging from the Academy.
The only way the move might work is if Pellegrini plays Shaqiri as a second striker. Or if his signing then frees up someone like Felipe Anderson to move to a more central support striker role.
But it would be negligent of West Ham to spend money on another attacking midfielder. Certainly before first addressing the serious lack of options elsewhere in the squad. Pellegrini is looking short of quality and variety up front, in central midfield and defence.
Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos will need money to spend in January if they are to do that.
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