Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seems to have secured his first summer signing already.
The Premier League giants have reached a pre-contract agreement with the Schalke centre-back Joel Matip.
The 24-year-old defender is out of contract in the summer and will join the Reds as a free agent.
Klopp is understood to be an admirer of the strong and athletic centre back and according to Italian media, and a deal is in place to bring him to Anfield.
Liverpool have struggled with their defence over the last few seasons and Klopp is looking to address his defensive problems right away.
Adding someone like Matip will give the Reds some much-needed strength and aerial presence at the back. The Merseyside outfit have often been bullied at the back against teams that are powerful and good in the air.
Matip has been one of best defenders in Bundesliga this season and has clearly outperformed the likes of Sakho and Lovren.
The 24-year-old is a strong tackler and very good in the air. Furthermore, his excellent distribution means that he can operate as a defensive midfielder as well. Also, the German-born defender is quick and will be well suited to Klopp’s high line.
Furthermore, at 6ft 4ins Matip will provide the Reds with a strong presence at the back and will improve Liverpool at set pieces, at both ends of the pitch.
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