Shaqiri leaves Lyon for MLS side Chicago Fire

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Xherdan Shaqiri has moved to Major League Soccer after just six months at Lyon
Xherdan Shaqiri has moved to Major League Soccer after just six months at Lyon

Xherdan Shaqiri has switched to Chicago Fire just six months after joining Lyon.

The Swiss ace, 30, left Liverpool back in August for the Ligue 1 side but has now made the move Stateside.

He made nine starts in France's top flight, scoring two and providing three assists.

Chicago Fire, who finished a disappointing 12th in the MLS's 14-team Eastern Conference last season, have handed the winger a three-year deal to make him the most expensive player in their history. 

Sporting director Georg Heitz said: "We're extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire.

"Xherdan is a game-changing player and someone who will bring joy to our supporters and the city of Chicago. 

"As one of the most accomplished Swiss athletes of his generation, Xherdan joins us at a very important time for the club and fully believes in what we are aiming to accomplish. 

"We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Chicago very soon."

Shaqiri will don the No10 shirt and occupy one of Chicago's's three designated player spots for the 2022 campaign. 

Shaqiri, who has 100 caps for his national side, was involved in Champions League, Premier League, and Club World Cup triumphs during his time at Anfield, where he made 63 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Fire will hope he can bring some much-needed creativity to Soldier Field.

They netted just 36 times in their 34 league games last season, with joint-top goalscorers Robert Beric and Luka Sojanovic, who netted eight apiece, departing in the off-season. 

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Ligue 1LyonChicago Fire FC