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West Ham going all out to sign this £13m Liverpool star could fire them into European football

Why West Ham should reignite their interest in Xherdan Shaqiri

According to Football.London, West Ham United were linked with Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri previously. However, the Hammers failed to follow up and the former Stoke City winger remained at Anfield.

With the winter transfer window approaching, here is why he should be at the London stadium.

Shaqiri’s game time this season has been limited to just two Premier League appearances with no starts and a mere 11 minutes on the field. He has made just 16 passes in those 11 minutes, taking just one shot.

The Switzerland international, who joined for a fee of £13m, has the potential to play regular first-team football but is way down the pecking order at Anfield.

Xherdan Shaqiri

Shaqiri made 26 appearances last season, playing 1052 minutes. He found the back of the net six times and even set up his teammates three times. During his last season (2017-18) at Stoke City, who were relegated that season, he appeared in all but two Premier League games. He scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the 3039 league minutes he played.

West Ham United, on the other hand, were boosted by the return of injured winger Andriy Yarmolenko. The Ukraine international has been impressive for the Hammers this season, scoring three goals and assisting one in nine league appearances.

Yarmolenko came to the London Stadium last season but suffered a long injury after making nine appearances, which kept him out for the rest of the season.

Andriy Yarmolenko

Yarmolenko is 30 and needs a proper back-up – someone who can match Premier League standards. A player of Shaqiri’s calibre would not only be a back-up but also provide healthy completion to the squad. It will take both players to greater heights, which will eventually be a benefit for the London club.

West Ham United are currently placed 10th with 13 points in 10 games. However, they are level on points with seventh-placed Manchester United and are behind on goal difference.

The Hammers have found the back of the net 11 times in the league so far. Bringing in a proven player like Shaqiri would add more strength to their attack and push them to a possible top-7 finish.