Joel Matip, the former Liverpool centre-back, is edging closer to securing a free transfer to a new club. Talks regarding his move are reportedly progressing well, and it is anticipated that he may join his new team as early as next week.
Matip has been without a contract for three weeks since being officially released by Liverpool on July 1. Despite this, there had been no concrete reports of interest in him until recently.
It has now been revealed that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are actively working on a deal to sign the 32-year-old defender. This move would see Matip return to Germany after spending nine years away. Born in Bochum, he came through the academy at Schalke and went on to make 256 appearances for their first team.
Sky Germany was the first to report Leverkusen’s interest in Matip. The club’s manager, Xabi Alonso, is keen to add an experienced centre-back to his squad. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that talks between the two parties are progressing well. Leverkusen is described as being “really keen” on signing Matip, and the player has received multiple approaches from clubs this summer. It appears that a move to the BayArena is likely, as Matip is open to returning to Germany.
In fact, the transfer could happen within the next seven days, with speculation from BILD’s Axel Hesse suggesting that Matip may even travel with Leverkusen to their pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen, Germany, on July 28.
These recent developments are undoubtedly positive for Matip’s future. Despite being released by Liverpool, the veteran defender deserves to join a top club. Jurgen Klopp, his former manager, had expressed a desire to keep Matip beyond the expiration of his contract. However, after Klopp himself decided to leave Anfield, it was decided to part ways with Matip. The decision was made even though his campaign was cut short due to an ACL injury. Klopp even hinted at the possibility of Matip considering early retirement. However, it now appears that the defender is set to extend his playing career at a Champions League club.
Overall, it is clear that talks for a free transfer of Joel Matip are progressing well, and a move to Bayer Leverkusen seems likely. The veteran defender’s return to Germany after nine years away would be a significant step in his career. Despite his release from Liverpool, Matip’s skills and experience make him an attractive prospect for top clubs. His potential move to Leverkusen could be finalized within the next week, marking an exciting new chapter for the talented centre-back.