Xherdan Shaqiri on the Market: could his MLS failure push him toward Saudi Arabia?

Xherdan Shaqiri, a name that once echoed through Europe's grandest stages, now finds himself without a contract, free on the market after an underwhelming stint with Chicago Fire. When you think of Shaqiri's past, it's hard not to recall his glory days wearing the jerseys of giants like Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Liverpool. But can that glorious past still secure him a promising future, or are we witnessing a player on the path to less illustrious leagues like Saudi Arabia?

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Shaqiri's journey in Major League Soccer (MLS) was, to say the least, disappointing. Arriving at Chicago Fire in 2022 with star status, the Swiss international quickly became the league's highest-paid player at the time, in his first year. However, on the pitch, what we saw was a performance that fell short of expectations. In 75 appearances, with 16 goals and 14 assists, Shaqiri couldn't justify the roughly 7 million euros that Chicago Fire shelled out to bring him over from Lyon.

It's not uncommon to see big European soccer names struggle after crossing the Atlantic to play in MLS. The adjustment to the playing style, pace, and sporting culture in the U.S. can be challenging for many, and Shaqiri was no exception. Yet the reality is, while Chicago Fire fights to make a mark in an increasingly competitive league, Shaqiri never found his place in this puzzle. Currently sitting in a modest 14th place in the Eastern Conference, the team seems to have finally decided it was time to move on without the Swiss star.

The announcement of his contract termination was made amicably, with both parties expressing gratitude and wishing each other well in the future. But it's clear that Shaqiri's departure wasn't just about timing; it was also about frustration with the lack of results on the field. The player, who recently announced his retirement from the Swiss national team, now finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

So, what's next for Shaqiri? At 32, he's still got some gas left in the tank, but the big question is where he'll find that spark. Europe, where he once shone brightly, might not be so eager to give him another shot with a top club. After all, competition is fierce, and plenty of young talents are ready to fill the spots that veterans like Shaqiri used to dominate.

On the other hand, the Middle Eastern market, particularly Saudi Arabia, has become an attractive destination for players looking for a lucrative contract in a less demanding environment. With Saudi clubs