Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is joining Lyon in a £9.5 million ($13m) deal, Goal understands.
The clubs have agreed a fee for the 29-year-old and Lyon confirmed on Sunday that he will have a medical on Monday before finalising the transfer.
Personal terms are already agreed and it is understood Shaqiri will sign a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 club.
The clubs have agreed a fee for the 29-year-old and Lyon confirmed on Sunday that he will have a medical on Monday before finalising the transfer.
Personal terms are already agreed and it is understood Shaqiri will sign a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 club.
What’s the deal?
Liverpool had rejected Lyon’s initial offer, thought to be worth only £4m, earlier this month, with sources describing that particular bid as “ridiculous.”
But the determination of Lyon’s sporting director, Juninho Pernambucano, and manager Peter Bosz to land their top summer target has meant, after lengthy negotiations, a deal could be agreed.
"Olympique Lyonnais is pleased to have finally reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer of the Swiss international midfielder, Xherdan Shaqiri," a statement on Lyon's website read.
"Shaqiri, who is encouraged by the OL project, will arrive in Lyon tonight where he will be welcomed by Juninho. The finalisation of the transfer remains conditional on the result of the medical examination that the player will pass this Monday morning and the finalisation of the last administrative formalities."
Shaqiri had informed the Reds of his desire to leave this summer in search of regular game time. He will leave having made 63 appearances for the club since joining from Stoke in 2018, and as a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League winner.
Will Liverpool look to replace him?
That seems unlikely, in terms of a direct replacement. Harvey Elliott, the gifted 18-year-old, looks to have already filled Shaqiri’s squad position, as a player who can play either as part of a midfield three
or wide on the right of the attack.
Elliott made his first Premier League start in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burnley, while Liverpool are also enthused by the progress of another teenager, 16-year-old Kaide Gordon, whose development will be watched closely.
Jurgen Klopp has hinted that it is unlikely there will be any further midfield additions before the transfer window closes, though it remains to be seen whether Liverpool look to add an attacker. They are still open to offers for Divock Origi, who was not in the squad against Burnley, while defenders Nat Phillips and Neco Williams may also attract bids in the coming days.
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