LFC Transfer Room

Report: Liverpool Open Contract Talks With Joel Matip Amid Centre-Back Search

ByNeil Andrew

July 3, 2023

Liverpool and Joel Matip have opened talks over extending the defender’s contract according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 31-year-old has just one year left of his current deal at Anfield and has been linked with a move away as Jurgen Klopp rebuilds his squad this summer.

Jurgen Klopp

Matip slipped down the pecking order at Liverpool last season with Ibrahima Konate becoming the preferred partner for Virgil van Dijk. That left the former Cameroon international battling it out with Joe Gomez for the backup spot.

Contract Extension?

As Klopp’s rebuild starts to take shape, it looks like Matip’s future could still be at Anfield next season. That’s according to transfer specialist Romano (via CaughtOffside) who suggests that the two parties have opened up talks over a contract extension.

Whilst Matip may stay to provide squad depth in defence, Romano also confirms that Liverpool are on the lookout for a left-sided central defender. Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio, Levi Colwill of Chelsea, and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven are all names rumoured to be on the wanted list at Anfield this summer.

The Transfer Room Verdict On The Future Of Joel Matip

The change of system towards the end of last season tweaked the requirements of Andy Robertson’s left-back role which became far less attacking in nature. A left-footed central defender must therefore remain the priority for Liverpool and Klopp this summer as they rebuild.

Joel Matip

There is no doubt that Matip still has something to offer as a player and is perfectly capable of performing in the biggest of matches. Unless a right-sided defender is going to be signed during this window, which seems unlikely, it makes sense to retain Matip for now and look to replace him over the next 12-18 months.

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