Team Focus: Shaqiri Pursuit Signifies Stoke's Continued Evolution

"At some point we need to invest significantly in the team," Stoke City boss Mark Hughes said back in April. The Welshman has worked wonders in the transfer market since taking charge of the Potters back in 2013, with his most expensive purchase prior to this summer coming in the form of Erik Pieters for £3m. In that period, Hughes has convinced Marko Arnautovic, Marc Muniesa and Bojan, among others, to make the switch to the Britannia for less than what the club spent to secure the Dutchman's services. 

However, this transfer window, Hughes has been provided sufficient funds to adequately strengthen his squad. The capture of Joselu for a modest £6m only swells their offensive ranks. Nevertheless, the arrival of the Spaniard cost a snip compared to the £10m paid to sign Peter Crouch back in 2011. The beanpole striker has been directly involved in 48 league goals in his 4 seasons at Stoke, so some could still consider that money well spent. 

To really lay down a statement of intent, however, the Potters are reportedly on the cusp of securing the services of Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri. The young attacker only joined Inter back in January, but the Serie A side seem prepared to cash in on the 23-year-old after just 6 months at the club. Stoke had been credited with an interest in Shaqiri at the turn of the year, only for the player to plump for Inter instead. As one expected, the Potters have renewed their interest in the Swiss star following news of his renewed availabiity and are prepared to make him their club-record signing, if reports of a £12m bid being accepted are to be believed. 

Shaqiri has endured a tough time in Italy with Inter, earning a rating of just 6.69. 1 goal and 2 assists in 15 league appearances for Roberto Mancini’s side were hugely underwhelming given his reputation. That he started only 1 of the final 5 league games suggests he has no place in Mancini’s side and with Inter’s recruitment drive this summer, it’s reasonable to suggest that Shaqiri is surplus to requirements at San Siro. 

Given Hughes’ previous with reigniting stagnating careers, Shaqiri would more than likely become a hit at the Britannia. Not only is Stoke’s philosophy developing under their Welsh manager from the days of Tony Pulis, but the work Hughes has done to bring out the best in players who have seemingly lost their way is another reason for Shaqiri to move to Stoke. Take for example Bojan, whose career had faltered after breaking through the Barcelona ranks. 

The Spaniard scored goals for fun for various Barcelona youth teams, yet was cast aside under Pep Guardiola, who instead favoured a front three of David Villa, Lionel Messi and Pedro. Sold off to Roma in 2011, Bojan’s career threatened to amount to nothing, with moves to Milan and Ajax failing to convince bigger teams that he was worth a punt. On the back of his move to Stoke last summer, however, the 24-year-old began to realise his potential under Hughes, so much so that his WhoScored rating (7.16) was his best in the last 6 league seasons. Unfortunately, though, Bojan suffered a season-ending injury back in January at Rochdale, yet he showed enough in his 16 league appearances to suggest his career had been resurrected. 

A similar rejuvenation happened with Victor Moses, who enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Stoke, so much so that his WhoScored rating (7.46) was the best of all Potters players. As one might expect, the club are keen on retaining his services after he averaged more successful dribbles (3.3) and key passes (1.7) per game than any other Stoke player last term. His permanent acquisition would further strengthen the team’s attempts to better their 9th-placed finish last season, much like the capture of Shaqiri would. 

When compared to Stoke’s most-used XI from the 2009/10 season - their return to England’s top tier - the team could look very different for the upcoming campaign, especially in attack. Should Moses and Shaqiri join Bojan and Joselu at the club, the Potters could well be considered outside contenders to secure a European spot, given their offensive potential. The signing of Shaqiri in particular would send a message out to their rivals, with the increase in TV money across the Premier League being put to good use by Stoke and other teams. 

Indeed, Shaqiri averaged more key passes per game (4.3) than any other player at the 2014 World Cup, further accentuating his creative qualities. While he hasn’t be able to replicate his international performances for his club side since last summer, Hughes has the ability to bring out the best in the former Bayern star. Deployed correctly in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, Stoke have the potential to field a very fluid three behind one of Joselu, Crouch or Mame Biram Diouf up front. In the attack, there remains sufficient depth with Jonathan Walters, Stephen Ireland, Arnautovic and Peter Odemwingie - who this week signed a new one-year contract at the Britannia - all capable of filling any of the positions in the offensive triumvirate behind the lone frontman. 

Hughes has been limited in previous transfer windows, relying on bargains or loan signings to improve the team. The shackles now appear to have been relinquished, with the possible signing of Shaqiri unsurprisingly exciting fans. His capture would maintain Hughes’ quest to oversee Stoke’s evolution from a long-ball team to a more aesthetically pleasing side and, judging from the above graphic, it’s clear to see how far the Potters have come since returning to the top-flight of English football in 2009.

What do you make of Stoke's summer signings so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comment below