According to the latest reports, out of favor, Liverpool defender Joel Matip could be on the way out of Anfield in the January transfer window.
The winter transfer window is coming close and big clubs across the European continent are preparing their squad’s in order for the remainder of the campaign. Premier League title contenders Liverpool are also prepared to do their business and offload a few players away from Merseyside and Joel Matip could be on that list.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool won the Merseyside derby in the most dramatic fashion as they beat rivals Everton with a late goal from substitute Divock Origi in the 96th minute of the game. But more importantly, Liverpool’s defense was unbreakable and watertight in front of the Toffees’ attack. The Reds now hold the record for the least number of goals conceded in the League (5).
It is quite obvious that Dutch central defender Virgil Van Dijk has improved Reds’ backline since arriving last January but young Englishman Joe Gomez’ step as a center back has gone extremely well. However, on the other hand, Cameroonian Joel Matip is going through some of the exact contrasting fortunes and has made only one start this season for the Reds so far in the Premiership.
Matip was recognized to be the first choice center-back alongside Dejan Lovren when the 27-year-old arrived at Liverpool back in 2016. But now as a fourth choice centre-back, Matip will find it extremely difficult to break through into the Liverpool first team. His current contract expires in the summer of 202 and while speaking in a recent interview considered a move away from Liverpool in the near future.
Matip said “I only concentrate now on the season on Liverpool and there’s nothing else in my mind. Everything else would only distract me. I’ve got to wait for my opportunity, I have to work hard—this is the life of a player. I try to be in the best form I can be and to be ready if I had to be.”
The Liverpool rearguard has been extremely solid and consistent this season and this progress is down to Jurgen Klopp and Virgil Van Dijk. With Matip’s chances restricted, I still think that a fourth choice center-back is necessary if Liverpool wants to compete for the Premier League title.
