Joel Matip has been linked with a summer move away from Liverpool, with AS Roma and Juventus offered the chance to sign him.
Joel Matip has regressed massively over the past year, and he needs to be replaced in the summer transfer window. A report from Calciomercatoweb claims that the Liverpool veteran has been offered to Serie A giants AS Roma and Juventus.
The Cameroon defender has been a key player for Liverpool since joining the club on a free transfer from Schalke. He has helped the Reds win every single trophy at the club level and formed a solid partnership at the back with Virgil van Dijk.
However, Matip is clearly not the player he used to be. And Liverpool will look to cash in on him and replace him with a younger defender with higher potential.
Meanwhile, the Reds have been linked with a number of defenders in recent months, including Benfica youngster Antonio Silva. A move away from Liverpool could be ideal for Matip as well. The 31-year-old is no longer prepared to deal with the intensity of English football every week. And a move to Italy could prolong his career.
Juventus and Roma could certainly use more depth at the back and Matip would be a superb acquisition for them. Apart from his quality as a defender, Matip will bring leadership qualities, experience and a winning mentality to the side.
The 31-year-old is also excellent with his distribution, and he will help the two clubs build from the back. The Liverpool veteran is likely to be available for a reasonable price given his age and status in the squad right now. It could prove to be a bargain move for the two Serie A giants if they manage to agree on a deal with the Reds for Matip.
Liverpool have been quite vulnerable at the back this season. And the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have been criticised heavily for their performances. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get rid of the declining players in their squad and bring in fresh young talent when the transfer window opens in the summer.
