The former Premier League champion remains highly sought after by several top-tier clubs, including Fulham and West Ham. Currently, Fulham and Leicester City are attempting to hijack West Ham’s efforts to secure Joel Matip on a free transfer, following his departure from Liverpool. As the international break heats up the transfer market, Matip’s future hangs in the balance.
West Ham is actively pursuing a new centre-back after loaning out Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd in the final moments of the transfer window. Manager Julen Lopetegui has already bolstered his squad with Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, but he is reportedly seeking additional defensive reinforcement. With the window closed, any further acquisitions must come from free agents. Initially, Mats Hummels, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, was West Ham’s priority target, but his recent move to AS Roma has shifted their focus to ex-Liverpool defender Joel Matip and Sheffield United’s John Egan. Matip, in particular, is in high demand despite making only 10 Premier League appearances last season due to an ACL injury. Reports suggested that West Ham was in advanced talks with the 33-year-old, but CaughtOffside now claims that the Hammers are facing stiff competition from Fulham, Leicester City, and Bournemouth. Matip is reportedly not entirely sold on a move to the London Stadium.
Fulham’s interest is understandable, given their defensive losses. The Cottagers saw Tosin Adarabioyo leave as a free agent after refusing to renew his contract, with the 26-year-old later signing for Chelsea. While Fulham has added Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca to their defense, they also parted ways with veteran defender Tim Ream. Matip, with his Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup titles, has no shortage of suitors and carries the strong endorsement of Jurgen Klopp. Upon Matip’s departure from Anfield, Klopp praised him, saying: “In all my years in football, I’m not sure I’ve come across many players as loved as Joel Matip. He’s a wonderful professional, footballer, and human being. We’ve been fortunate to have him with us for as long as we have, and now we can only wish him well in his new direction. Joel’s qualities as a player have always been evident, and our club has benefited immensely from them since his arrival.”
While Matip hasn’t been in the spotlight often, Klopp emphasized his importance within the Liverpool squad, making him a highly regarded figure among his teammates. The defender’s next move is eagerly anticipated as multiple Premier League clubs prepare to make their offers.
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