Liverpool have signed Cameroonian defender Joel Matip from Bundesliga side Schalke 04, as confirmed by both clubs on Monday.
Matip will come to Merseyside on a free transfer after his current contract with Schalke expires in the summer.
The Reds have been keen on securing Matip’s services ever since the start of the January transfer window, but a dispute between the club halted the completion of the deal until the opening of the summer transfer window.
Matip has made 21 appearances for Schalke this season which is the most of anyone on his current team. The 24 year old has already participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and has 27 total caps for the Cameroon national team.
His consistency and aggressive style of defending excites those on Merseyside, especially with the poor performances of Liverpool’s current centre backs.
With all the injuries and squad rotations this season, it is clear that Jurgen Klopp is looking for youth and consistency in his additions for Liverpool. He will find this along with versatility in his new defender, which is a very admirable attribute for the modern centre back.
Matip expressed his excitement for the move on Schalke’s official website.
“I have always said that I would only bid goodbye to Schalke to experience something fundamentally new…And even though the decision was definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the time to make the next step.
He later added on the official YouTube channel, ”It was about time to try something new, move abroad, join a traditional club in a super league, and I am looking forward to it.”
