Rumour Mongering: Xherdan Shaqiri Rejects Hertha Berlin Transfer

In recent weeks, Xherdan Shaqiri has consistently looked Liverpool’s best attacking alternative, positioning himself as if not first choice at least ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Divock Origi, and Takumi Minamino in the pecking order.

Which makes a story today, originally from Sky Germany and since propagated into the land of English transfer rumours, a little odd. Namely that Shaqiri was set to join Hertha Berlin this month only for the player to reject the potential move.

This isn’t the first time a story of Shaqiri choosing to stay and fight for minutes at Anfield has emerged—last summer brought with it similar tales when the transfer window slammed shut. The timing, though, makes it hard to know what to think.

Assuming there’s any truth to it, perhaps the only reasonable reading is an attempt to raise funds by the Reds with an eye on signing a centre half. Though if that’s the case, it’s hard to imagine Hertha having much cash to work with this month.

In the midst of a global pandemic and with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona crying poor, there likely wouldn’t be much up front money arriving for any outgoing player this month, which leaves us rather scratching our heads on this one.

Still, regardless the uncertain framework underpinning this transfer tale, the end point takeaway appears to be that Xherdan Shaqiri will at least finish the 2020-21 season with Liverpool. Beyond that is anybody’s guess.