Sources: Liverpool to offer new Joel Matip deal
Jurgen Klopp wants defender Joel Matip to sign a new Liverpool contract despite his advancing years, sources have told Football Insider.
The centre-back, who will be 33 when the 2024-25 campaign kicks off, is currently out of contract at the end of this season.
And it is believed that despite Liverpool’s plans to add a new senior centre-back, Klopp wants Matip to continue his Anfield career.
The ex-Cameroon international will be pushed down the pecking order if another defender option arrives and will need to accept a backup role as part of any new deal.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Klopp is a “huge admirer” of Matip and wants him to remain a Liverpool player.
That development may shock some Reds fans who had expected him to leave the club in 2024 as he enters his twilight years.
The centre-back is currently out with a knee problem he sustained in Sunday’s (3 December) 4-3 win over Fulham.
Speaking in his pre-Sheffield United press conference on Tuesday (5 December), Klopp confirmed Matip’s injury is “not good” but revealed his scan is not yet complete.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (4 December) that Liverpool are not planning to rush into the market for a centre-back in January despite a potential long-term injury for the defender.
Matip has made 14 appearances across all competitions so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
The centre-back had started each of the last three Premier League games before his injury.
He has racked up 201 appearances since joining Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016, winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Klopp’s side sit second in the top-flight, just one point behind league leaders Arsenal.
In other news, Liverpool £70million target could be out for the rest of the season.