Why Burnley hold the key to Shaqiri’s future and Liverpool’s summer
Robin Bairner
- 14 Aug 2021 04:30 CDT
- 5 min read
Burnley could hold the key to the remainder of Liverpool’s transfer window, despite holding no immediate interest in any of the Reds current players.
Liverpool have reached something of an impasse in the market. Unable to sign any players who have not been homegrown in England due to having reached the limit permitted by the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen the huge values that English players like Ben White and Jack Grealish have moved for the summer.
As such, any moves they make before the end of the window are likely to be the addition of foreign players. However, in order to sign from abroad, where they feel the better value is, they need to make room in their squad.
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Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri are the two players likeliest to leave. Indeed, it is reported that Lyon have agreed terms with the Switzerland international midfielder but have been unable to get close to Liverpool’s asking price of €15 million, instead offering €6m. OL want him to replace Memphis Depay, who left to Barcelona for free in the summer.
Step forward Burnley. The Clarets are seeking a left-back and have turned towards Lyon’s Maxwel Cornet, according to L’Equipe. They have been keeping a close eye on the player for more than a month and are faced with competition from Hertha for his signature. Now they are ready to move.
It is reported that a €17m offer has been tabled for Cornet, a substantial amount higher than the deal on offer from the Bundesliga club.
Lyon are set to accept this deal and it will now be up to Burnley to convince the 24-year-old player in their project. If a deal is completed, however, OL could well put some of the proceeds towards an improved deal for Shaqiri.
If he were to depart, Liverpool would suddenly have another avenue to sign a new player in the fortnight before the window shuts.
