Journalist shares who’s more likely to get a new contract – Joel Matip or Thiago Alcantara

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Liverpool are currently only ready to offer a new contract to one of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara.

Both players are out of contract in summer 2024, and as things stand will leave on a free transfer at the end of the current season. But according to journalist Rudy Galetti for Tribal Football, Liverpool are planning to try and spare Thiago of that eventuality.

“Liverpool added to their agenda the discussions of the future of two players whose contracts expire in 2024: Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara,” says the journalist.

“The Reds have not yet started talks for their extension, but they are ready to contact their entourage soon.

“The main priority is to approach Thiago Alcantara: Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp especially want to convince the Spanish midfielder to extend his contract for a short period, although the interest by Saudi clubs is concrete and real. In the next weeks the first contact is expected.

“Talking about Matip, despite his will to remain, the chances of him leaving at the end of the season are growing.

“At the moment, Liverpool are evaluating the opportunity to reinforce – in the summer – the defence with a young profile. So, to date, the possible renewal of Joel is not in their plans.”

Liverpool weigh up contract extensions

On current form, there’s only one of these two players who should see his stay extended at Anfield – and it isn’t Thiago.

He may have been on the wrong end of an unlucky own goal on Saturday, but Joel Matip is having a really good start to the season.

Unfairly deemed to be ‘past it’ by a portion of fans this summer, the 32-year-old has looked as good as ever. With nine games played in all competitions, big Joel has played in six; starting five and playing a full 90 minutes in four.

Whether it’s a good thing or not, the Cameroonian is still very much a part of Klopp’s squad.

As for Thiago, he may be capable of grander things than Matip, but he hasn’t played for Liverpool since April.

The Spaniard has missed 54 Premier League matches since arriving from Bayern Munich three-and-a-bit seasons ago. That’s a quite unbelievable statistic.

If they can get him fit, there’s still a good chance that Thiago can play an important role for Liverpool this season. If he does that, and agrees to lower his wages, then there may be an argument for him to stay. But right now, Matip is the only one of these two who should be considered.