Xherdan Shaqiri to Borussia Dortmund: Stoke star rules out summer switch to Bundesliga giants after one season
Swiss winger linked as replacement for new Manchester United ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan but dismisses talk of exit
XHERDAN SHAQIRI insists he will remain at Stoke next season after being linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The Swiss winger has been in the Premier League for just one season but has already been tipped for a big-money move abroad.
Dortmund are on the hunt for a new wide-man after selling star midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, and it’s believed the Germans have their eye on Shaqiri.
But Shaqiri is adamant he won’t be leaving Mark Hughes’ side after scoring just three goals in his maiden campaign, telling Swiss outlet : “Well nobody had told me (about interest from Dortmund) so for the moment this is cheese. I am on holiday now.
“A move to the Bundesliga is actually ruled out at the moment. On July 24 I start back at Stoke with training and I’m looking forward to the Premier League. I have goals to achieve for Stoke.”
In other good news for the Potters, a deal for Egyptian prodigy Ramadan Sobhi is ’99 per cent’ agreed.
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That’s according to chief executive Tony Scholes, who reckons the 19-year-old will go down a treat at the Britannia.
Sobhi is already a full-fledged international and big things are expected of him in his homeland, with Scholes telling the : “He’s regarded as a special talent in Egypt.
“To be a regular in the national side for 12 months at just 19 shows the quality of the player.
“He’s got undoubted skills but we have to remember his age and he’s coming from a different country and a different culture.
“He has got to have time to settle but he’s one for the future and one we’re excited about.
“Hopefully over the next 24 to 48 hours he’ll complete a medical and we’ll tie up all the last bits of the deal as well, but it’s all 99 per cent agreed.”