After it seemed the deal was dead in the water just weeks ago, Xherdan Shaqiri is now officially a Stoke City player after the club agreed a £12million transfer fee with former employers Inter.
Whilst being known throughout the footballing world as an outrageous talent, it’s fair to say that the Swiss international has struggled to bed down since his Basle days, becoming nothing but a bit part player for both Bayern and Inter. However we’re quietly convinced (neigh shouting from the rooftops) that Mark Hughes has picked up an absolute bargain. Quick, technically gifted and, despite his pigmy stature, strong as an ox.
Perhaps more notable than the fee, is the fact that the Potters have signed up the little trickster for five years, suggesting a healthy sell on fee, if he makes life for defenders as miserable as we think he will.
So, Peter Crouch is about to be supported by Bojan Krkic, Ibrahim Afellay and now Shaqiri. Yes, we’re all thinking it…..how lucky are those three Champions League winners.