Stoke City have completed the signing of Inter Milan winger Xherdan Shaqiri for a club record fee of £12 million ($AU25.7 million).
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Potters, making him their ninth signing of the summer transfer window.
Shaqiri singed for German champions Bayern Munich in 2012, but failed to secure a first team spot, only scoring 11 goals in 52 appearances.
Last season he was loaned out to Serie A club Inter Milan, then signed a four-year contract in January, but still failed to impress manager Roberto Mancini.
He was spotted at the Britannia stadium last weekend watching on as Stoke narrowly lost to Liverpool.
Shaqiri has nothing to lose joining Stoke as he has not only won the Bundesliga and the German Cup with Bayern Munich, he has also won the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup under Jupp Heynckes.
He is still only 23, is fast and agile, and will fit the fast pace of the Premier League. He is expected to debut against Tottenham on Sunday.
Stoke City finished ninth the past two season since Mark Hughes took charge, narrowly missing out on a Europa League qualification spot. Perhaps this season, with a new attacking threat, they can finish in the top seven.
A positive cup run could help boost Stoke City’s confidence throughout the league. Last season they were knocked out in the league cup by Southampton in the fourth round, and stunned by Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round, losing 4-1 at the Britannia Stadium.
144
Roar Guru
maybe he's taking a step down to focus on playing really well. Maybe he kills it this season then he could get an offer from tottenham or Liverpool or Arsenal.
Vangeli Kollias
Roar Rookie
I think he needs to get back into form, he was such an exciting prospect. At least at stoke we will get playing time, just needs to hit form. Mark Hughes is a great manager, and i think they will do well this year.
144
Roar Guru
Saw that article, just really frustrated with my club everton who is spending literally minimal funds on players for the past two years.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Hearing from Inter fans that he just never got the respect he deserved at Inter. Some of the mid-table EPL clubs are really looking to step up their game after all this new TV money. Might actually compete in Europe soon. Speaking of the TV money, I found this article on Eurosport I think you might find interesting - http://au.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2015-2016/the-best-premier-league-ever-but-english-clubs-could-suffer-in-europe_sto4854870/story.shtml
144
Roar Guru
Disappointed that someone like shaqiri has taken such a step down. Should me moving to a bigger club than inter maybe even inter itself making it permanent but stoke you serious?
nordster
Guest
A candidate club for me to takeover for the new fifa 16 career mode.... Good base squad, and i can offload Shaqiri for £££. Unfortunately they wear new balance kit so not sure i can bring myself to;)