Liverpool defender open to leaving club and moving to Germany

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Joel Matip has told the Liverpool Echo that he is open to leaving Liverpool and returning to German football, despite starring in the Champions League final triumph.

The 27-year-old saw out the entire 90 minutes of the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metrapolitano, keeping Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen quiet throughout the match.

Matip, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2016 from Schalke on a free transfer, has clocked up 98 appearances for the Reds. He has two years remaining on his £100,000-a-week contract (Spotrac).

Asked about his future and if he would ever contemplate a return to Germany, centre-back Matip stated that anything is impossible but reiterated that he has two years remaining on his current Liverpool contract.

“In football nothing is impossible. At the moment I still have two years remaining in my contract here at Liverpool,” Matip said.

“After some problems and injuries at the beginning meanwhile I feel very comfortable here. And I’ve been more mature as a player and as a person here in England.”

TBR’s view

When Joe Gomez returns to pre-season, it is likely that Jurgen Klopp will favour the England international alongside Virgil van Dijk over Matip.

With Matip on the substitutes bench, he may be tempted to leave the club and become first choice elsewhere. Dejan Lovren is also in the mix, but is likely to be considered fourth choice.

Perhaps a move for the Cameroon international is best, though a decision on whether Gomez is first choice will determine that.