FC Basel has pulled off a coup by signing Xherdan Shaqiri. The homegrown player returns after 12 years.
Two days after terminating his contract with Chicago Fire, it is clear where Xherdan Shaqiri will continue his career. After 12 years abroad, the 32-year-old is returning to his youth club FC Basel. The 125-time national player, who ended his career with the national team after the EURO in Germany, signed a contract at the Rhine knee until 2027.
“We have been talking to Xherdan for weeks and are extremely happy that his return to Basel has finally worked out. The signature was only possible – also financially – because FCB, but above all Xherdan himself, absolutely wanted this return,” said sporting director Daniel Stucki about the spectacular transfer.
Legend:
Returns to the Rhine knee
Xherdan Shaqiri.
imago images/steinsiek.ch
Became a star in Basel
Shaqiri took his first steps in professional football at FCB. 12 years ago, in the summer of 2012, he moved to FC Bayern Munich for 12.5 million Swiss francs. He then played for Inter Milan, Liverpool, Stoke City, Lyon and Chicago. His involvement in Major League Soccer ended at the beginning of the week when his contract was terminated.
Shaqiri was never really able to live up to the high expectations overseas. At Chicago, where he scored 16 goals in 75 competitive matches, he was one of the absolute top earners. In Basel, he will have to make significant financial sacrifices. But Shaqiri has other priorities: “I want to attack again with FCB and can hardly wait to see the fans in St. Jakob-Park again.”
Shaqiri will not be present at FC Basel’s cup match against Subingen this weekend. He will start team training on Tuesday afternoon, after a media conference is scheduled.
