Joel #Matip will join @LFC at the end of the season. More information to follow. #s04 pic.twitter.com/PsZrSCaUt5

— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) February 15, 2016

Joel Matip has been linked with Liverpool for a few months now. During the January transfer window it appeared that a move may happen, but it failed to materialize. Since then many publications like Sky Sports, Der Westen and others have speculated that the player and the clubs are locked in a three way discussion.

The player’s contract runs out in the summer and Liverpool can actually take him, then when he becomes a free agent. However Liverpool and Schalke both fear missing out on the player and have agreed to reach to an agreement regarding the transfer.

This is a major deal for the new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as he has been wanting to strengthen the defense and even signed Steven Caulker on loan as a temporary fix. Joel Matip is more of a long term solution.

According to a statement published on the club’s official website, “Liverpool have seen off interest from home and abroad to sign Matip.

“The Cameroon international will move to Anfield at the end of the season having rejected the German club’s offer of a new deal in favour of a switch to Merseyside.”