Liverpool are in the hunt for a £38m Joel Matip replacement, German sources have confirmed.
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards have got a big decision to make this summer, and it relates to the former Cameroon international.
We all know about Matip’s talents and we all value them; it’s why it hurts so much to see him ruled out with another injury.
Liverpool could cut ties with Joel Matip
On his day, the ex-Schalke defender has a delightful range of passing, unbeatable strength, and composure on the ball that rivals the best.
Except his day hasn’t come around for some time now, and now we won’t see it before next season after Matip was ruled out for the rest of the season thanks to a knock he picked up against Tottenham.
Matip hasn’t been reliable for some time now, and as he inches towards his 30th birthday, his physical attributes are only going to decline further. As one of five centre-backs in the Liverpool squad, thanks to the signings of Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies, Matip looks the most likely to leave this summer.
Dayot Upamecano is on the Liverpool radar
True ✅ the decision of Dayot Upamecano is only between FC Bayern, Liverpool and Chelsea now @FCBayern @LFC @ChelseaFC
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) February 9, 2021
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That will be especially true if reports from Germany are correct. Christian Falk, head of football for Sports Bild, has confirmed that Liverpool are in the hunt for RB Leipzig central defender Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano has a £38 million release clause, said Goal, which would represent alarming value for money. The Frenchman is only 22-years-old, has already experience football at the top end, and could be an investment for the next 10 years.
Not only that, but he could grow into the replacement for Virgil van Dijk in the next three or four seasons, as van Dijk reaches and then moves over his peak.
That move would still leave Klopp with five senior options: van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Kabak (if his option to buy is triggered), Davies and Upamecano.
One thing is for sure, if the interest in Upamecano is real, it spells the end for Matip.