Serie A rivals AS Roma and Lazio are set to battle for Liverpool’s soon-to-be free agent Joel Matip ahead of the summer.
According to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Roma and Lazio are set to stage a battle for the signature of Joel Matip. The experienced defender will leave Liverpool in the summer on a free transfer and is willing to take a pay cut to make a move to Italy.
Roma, Lazio are vying for Joel Matip
Liverpool are about to make wholesale changes, including bringing in a new manager and taking the opportunity to part ways with some old legs in their squad. The Merseysiders also plan on making some stellar signings per their new manager’s specifications.
Joel Matip is about to leave alongside Thiago Alcantara and Adrian, with the Cameroonian defender already attracting massive interest from elsewhere. There have been reports of interest from Turkey, but he’s more intrigued about the prospect of playing in Italy, as Roma and Lazio are keen.
The Roman giants and arch-rivals are keen to take advantage of the opportunity to bring the experienced defender on a free transfer, as contacts are expected soon. Matip, for his part, remains keen on playing in Serie A and is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to make a move, as the Italian clubs are not about to offer him Liverpool-level wages.
Which of these sides from the Italian capital manage to sign Matip remains the question, as his availability for a free transfer is undoubtedly a significant factor. The defender has not featured for Liverpool since a cruciate ligament injury in early December. Still, he should potentially return around September/October to full fitness, which seems fine by those Italian sides.
Liverpool already planning on replacing Matip
Over the years, Liverpool have lacked a left-footed centre-back, which is baffling considering all their other top-six rivals have a significant player presence in that profile. With the expected departure of Matip, the Merseysiders will take the opportunity to bring a left-sided centre-back to compete with Virgil van Dijk or play alongside the Dutchman.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho is a big target, while Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio has also been considered. They are also chasing Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly; others are on their list. Any player of that profile will be seen as a direct replacement for Matip, who could effectively join one of the Italian giants Roma or Lazio.
