Former Cameroon defender Joel Matip left Anfield at the end of last season with manager Jurgen Klopp. He has made a total of 256 appearances for Schalke and over 200 for Liverpool, and has experienced a number of big occasions.
The 32-year-old centre-back has been on a free transfer since his contract with Liverpool expired and is looking for a new home.
Bayer Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga last season without defeat, are keen on the player, who has also won the Premier League and Champions League, according to German Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
“Bayer 04 Leverkusen is very interested to sign Joel Matip as a free agent.”
“First talks took place. Xavi Alonso wants to strengthen the team with an experienced central defender.”
🚨🔴 Bayer 04 Leverkusen is very interested to sign Joel #Matip as a free agent!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 18, 2024
First talks took place. Xavi Alonso wants to strengthen the team with an experienced central defender. @berger_pj | @Sky_Marlon89 | @SkySportDE 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/1JvjKOowR5
German defender Jonathan Tah, who led the defence as a defensive leader last season, is still with the club, but Bayern Munich are tracking his movements as they look to strengthen their centre-backs, and the player himself is reportedly keen to move on.
They are looking for an experienced player to replace him, and Xabi Alonso has listed the former Liverpool defender, who has supported the team from the back in various games in Germany and England, as an ideal candidate, and the fact that he can be acquired without a transfer fee is also attractive.
In addition, with Leverkusen set to compete in the Champions League in the new season, a veteran defender with 54 appearances in the competition could be a valuable asset.
Can the Bundesliga champions sign the unattached Matip?