Liverpool transfer news: Xherdan Shaqiri signing misses out to Khalil Mack trade for best transfer award

The analytics community in the United States shortlisted the Reds' deal to bring the Swiss international to Anfield from Stoke City

Liverpool's owners have narrowly missed out on an award for best deal of the year after their business at Anfield and with the Boston Red Sox.

The transfer of Xherdan Shaqiri and the signing of J.D. Martinez were shortlisted by the analytics community for the award.

Shaqiri cost the Reds just £13.5m from relegated Stoke City last summer.

The Swiss international was snapped up after his release clause was triggered.

And the 27-year-old has proven to be a valuable addition to Jurgen Klopp's squad, firing six goals in the Premier League, including a double in the victory over Manchester United at Anfield.

The Alpha Award for “Best Transaction” was won by the Oakland Raiders at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (SSAC) in Boston, report The Athletic.

The Raiders were celebrated for trading away Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears, despite being heavily criticised for the deal by the wider media and fans.

The highlight of the deal from John Gruden's side's point of view was the two first round picks sent their way by the Bears, which are especially valuable in the NFL due to the modest contracts players receive coming out of college.

Jurgen Klopp's record in the transfer market has been impressive of late, with big-money purchases for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah paying off.

Shaqiri has made an impact with Liverpool (Liverpool FC via Getty) (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While Shaqiri and other more modest deals, including Andy Robertson from Hull for £8m, have also seen the Reds jump into contention for the Premier League and Champions League.

Shortlist for Alpha Award for "Best Transaction"

Khalil Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears last year (Getty)

Winner: Oakland Raiders for Khalil Mack trade

Atlanta Hawks for Luka Doncic trade

San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard trade

Boston Red Sox for signing J.D. Martinez

Liverpool for signing Xherdan Shaqiri​