German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 have confirmed that their central defender Joel Matip will join Liverpool next season. The German-born Cameroonian player will join the Reds on a free transfer as his current contract with the German side expires this summer. Liverpool are also said to be willing to offer him a four-year deal at Anfield.
The club confirmed the news on Twitter:
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
The 24-year-old has made 27 appearances for his national team Cameroon and has been a product of the Schalke youth system. He scored his first senior goal for the club on his debut at the age of 18 against Bayern Munich back in 2009 in a match that ended in a one-all draw. He has since played 239 games for the Royal Blues and scored 23 goals.
The English giants also confirmed the news on Twitter:
#LFC can confirm they have reached an agreement to sign Joel Matip this summer: https://t.co/IxCxXST2Wt pic.twitter.com/mcv7wIynty
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 15, 2016
Speaking to the club's website, the lanky defender revealed:
"I have always said that there is only one reason I would leave Schalke - to experience something completely new. For that reason, I never considered a move to another Bundesliga club. Even though the decision wasn’t easy, I am certain that this is the right moment for me to take the next step in my career.
He added:
"Schalke 04 will always be like my family. I have always been very proud to play for this fantastic club," said the Matip, when explaining his decision to leave. "I will give my all in the coming months to ensure that we get the most we can out of this season. I owe that to both the fans and my team.''
Matip is Jurgen Klopp’s second signing after Marko Grujic, who returned to his former club Red Star Belgrade on loan up to the end of the season.
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