The most likely defender to leave Liverpool in the summer has been identified in a report that also reveals how much they are hoping to raise from the transfer.
Liverpool’s defenders have faced almost as much scrutiny as their midfielders this season. From 26 Premier League matches so far this season, Liverpool have conceded 29 goals – which is already more than they conceded across all 38 league games last season.
Therefore, there have been accusations against the form of Virgil van Dijk, for example. When Liverpool’s main centre-back has been in the spotlight, it is only natural that all the others will have been too.
Joe Gomez has come in for criticism for his form as well. Furthermore, Ibrahima Konate hasn’t been able to build up consistency yet.
According to a fresh report from Football Insider, though, the “likeliest” defender to leave Liverpool this summer is Joel Matip.
Claims have been growing for a while that the 32-year-old could be on his way out at the end of the season. After all, by then, he will only have 12 months remaining on his contract.
Therefore, Liverpool have now identified him as someone who can make way as they trim their squad.
Just over a year ago, in February 2022, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called Matip “outstanding”, suggesting he should be in the conversation as one of the best ever free signings after his 2016 arrival at the club.
Things can change quickly in football, though, especially at clubs of the highest level. Hence, Matip is now at risk of coming to the end of his Liverpool career.
Liverpool decide Joel Matip transfer value
Per the report by Football Insider, Liverpool will be telling other clubs that Matip is available in the summer. Their asking price for the former Cameroon international will be somewhere between £10million and £15m.
Liverpool know that if they don’t raise such a sum now, they will be at risk of losing him on the same terms they signed him for – free – in 2024.
Hence, this summer is their last realistic chance to make a profit on someone who has made 184 appearances for them across the years. (In fact, Matip is the 12th most-used player in the Klopp era.)
But he has only made 18 appearances this season, including just 11 in the Premier League. Often held back by injuries during his time at Liverpool, Matip might not be someone Klopp can rely on for much longer.
Where next for the defender?
It remains to be seen who might bid for Matip when he becomes available. As a player with six honours to his name from his time with Liverpool, he might still have some appeal.
Indeed, he should be able to take away some good memories from his Liverpool career. Although not always reliable in terms of his fitness, Matip can be proud of what he has achieved while on the pitch in the red shirt.
Whether Liverpool can realistically fetch up to £15m for a player in his thirties and with an injury record may be questionable. But there is time remaining in Matip’s career and he won’t want things to fizzle out.
Hence, a summer sale might be in everyone’s best interests, especially if it gives Liverpool a small windfall with which they can reinvest in their squad.
Matip is not the only player due to leave Liverpool this summer, with a top source recently confirming a pair who cost around £88m will be on their way out as well to make way for two new recruits.
