Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri says that he is considering a move to Turkey to play with Galatasaray, despite a host of other top clubs in Europe chasing his signature.
GettyImagesXherdan Shaqiri has been tipped for the top
Shaqiri, 20, has impressed for FC Basel as he led them to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time and the midfielder has been linked with a move – with Galatasaray leading the way with a €10 million bid.
“I never would have imagined that I would go to the Turkish league, but Galatasaray are now a top club,” he told Basler Zeitung. “The chances are good that the club will win the title and play in the Champions League next season. You have to consider an offer like this. Galatasaray are ambitious and have invested in new players.”
Basel, however, are not keen to let their star player depart. “It is now contact, we have received an offer from Istanbul,” Basel president Bernhard Heusler confirmed. “We have taken note, but this does not mean it is a basis for negotiation. We are currently not willing to sell Shaqiri.”
Sporting director George Heitz added: “Of course you never know what might happen, I am asked about three or four of our players. Clubs from Germany, Britain and Eastern Europe are asking and we have had offers.
“But we are in the next round of the Champions League and that is our main aim at the moment.”