Jurgen Klopp Plans to Extend Joel Matip’s Contract Despite ACL Injury
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his intention to offer Joel Matip a new contract, even though the defender is facing a likely season-ending ACL rupture. Matip sustained the serious knee injury during Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham last weekend and will require surgery.
The timing of the injury is unfortunate for Matip, as his current contract with Liverpool expires this summer. However, Klopp is determined to ensure that the 32-year-old receives the support he deserves and expects the club to take a similar stance.
Klopp stated, “I’m pretty sure the club will show their class, as you should do it. I’m pretty sure the club told Joel already that, whatever happens, as long as he is injured everything is fine.” He further added, “Now we have to make the decision with Joel how it looks after that. That’s a normal thing to do but he deserves all the support from us and he will get it.”
Although Klopp believes that Matip will be offered a new deal, he clarified that the final decision rests with the club. Sources indicate that a concrete plan for Matip’s future has yet to be determined as he awaits surgery. However, Liverpool is committed to ensuring that Matip does not become a free agent while undergoing rehabilitation, and a decision on his long-term future will be postponed.
Despite Matip’s absence, Klopp still has Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah as senior center-back options. When asked about the possibility of signing a replacement in the January transfer market, Klopp emphasized that having four center-halves is sufficient for now. He stated, “It was never wonderland, where you would bring in a world-class center-half until the other one is fit again or whatever.”
Klopp concluded by saying that he hasn’t given much thought to potential transfers yet, as it has only been five days since Matip’s injury. However, he expressed doubt about making any signings in the near future.