One of the brightest talents in Swiss football was nearly wearing red for another team.
Xherdan Shaqiri, a winger who plays for Bayern Munich, recently said in an interview that Liverpool tried to acquire his talents, but Munich told them he was not for sale.
The tiny playmaker is known for his speed down the flanks, but has had trouble earning minutes for a stacked Bayern squad.
Only 22 years old and already with two World Cup appearances, Shaqiri is finally blossoming into the skilled player prospects scoured over in his youth. He netted a hat trick against Honduras in the World Cup, leading Switzerland to a 3-0 win and a birth in the knockout round.
Shaqiri only started ten league games last season with Bayern, and a player with his talent could have garnered a solid transfer fee. While moves were rumored throughout Europe, Shaqiri says Liverpool came the closest to getting a deal done.
At a young age and seemingly finding his form, it’s possible he could see more playing time for the German champions this season. A few strong showings and he could raise his profile even more come the next transfer window. Shaqiri needs consistent minutes if he wants to continue to develop his game and progress as one of the best young talents in Europe.
As for now, Shaqiri remains in Munich. He will make the short trip home to Switzerland, where they host England in their first match of Euro qualifying on Monday night. It will be the first game for manager Vladimir Petkovic, who has taken over the reigns for Switzerland after Ottmar Hitzfeld’s six-year run as manager.