Joel Matip has been linked with a move away from Liverpool at the end of the season, with the Reds ready to cash in on him.
A report from Football Insider has claimed that Liverpool are willing to sell 31-year-old centre-back Joel Matip for a fee of around £15 million at the end of the season.
Joel Matip has had his fair share of injury problems since joining Liverpool. But he has been a very useful player for Jurgen Klopp. When fit, the 31-year-old has been a key player for Liverpool, and he has helped the Reds win the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy as well.
However, Matip is clearly on the decline and has not been at his best this season. The Cameroonian defender has been criticised heavily for his performances over the last few months. And it makes sense that Liverpool are prepared to move him on. Liverpool clearly need players who are younger and are likely to get better with time.
Matip is at the stage of his career where he is unlikely to improve anymore. And Liverpool should look to recoup some money for him and invest in the playing squad. The 31-year-old joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Bundesliga club Schalke, and he has been one of their best signings in recent seasons.
However, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, this is the right time for the Reds to move him on and bring him a capable replacement. Liverpool have been linked with players like Josko Gvardiol and Jonathan Tah in recent weeks. And it remains to be seen who they end up signing.
Matip could still be a very useful player for mid-table clubs, and he is unlikely to have any shortage of suitors if he is made available at the end of the season. Furthermore, the reported £15 million asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality and experience.
If the 31-year-old veteran can keep himself fit, he could prove to be a very useful addition to most teams around the world. Meanwhile, Matip might not be the only player to leave Liverpool in the summer, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also likely to depart from Anfield.
