The Athletic’s James Pearce has said that Joel Matip is expected to leave Liverpool next year when his contract comes to an end.
Speaking on the Walk On podcast, the Liverpool reporter claimed that the 32-year-old defender is likely to move on from Anfield having joined the club in 2016.
Pearce said when asked what Matip’s future at Liverpool will look like next year: “I fully expect him to move on in 2024 so it’s just a case of what do you do.”
Incredibly likened to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho by Kostas Tsimikas, Matip has earned cult hero status at Anfield having joined the club as a free signing in 2016 from Schalke 04.
However, many Liverpool fans will agree that next summer would be the right time for the defender to leave Merseyside, with Jurgen Klopp in need of more quality cover at the back.
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Indeed, many expected Matip to be sold this summer, yet due to a lack of bids, the defender remained at Anfield, who this season has actually impressed with the minutes given to him.
Liverpool need to identify Matip replacement ASAP
Matip still being on Liverpool’s books is quite a surprise for some fans, and the Reds need to be taking steps now to replace the defender in 2024.
With the centre-back’s contract expiring at the end of this season, the Anfield side have plenty of time to identify a successor for Matip, with plenty of options out there on the market.
Moreover, Liverpool can make a move in the January market ahead of Matip’s departure, with defensive depth already needed at Anfield ahead of the second half of the season.