Liverpool have reached a pre-contract agreement with the Schalke centre-back Joel Matip.
The 24-year-old defender will join the Reds for free in the summer.
The Schalke defender is out of contract in the summer and Liverpool have moved quickly to secure his services.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the strong and athletic centre back and according to Express, a deal is in place to bring him to Anfield.
Schalke have now confirmed Matip’s move to Liverpool in the summer.
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
Liverpool have struggled with their defence over the last few seasons and Klopp is looking to address his back four right away.
Adding someone like Matip will give the Reds some much-needed strength and aerial presence at the back. Liverpool have often been bullied at the back against teams that are powerful and good in the air.
Matip has been one of better 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.
At 6ft 4ins, Matip will provide the Reds with a strong presence at the back and will improve Liverpool during set pieces (both attacking and defending).
Also, Matip is quick and will be well suited to Klopp’s high line.
At his age and the form he is in right now, signing him for free could be an excellent decision from the club.
Jurgen Klopp’s presence at the club is thought to have had a major influence on the player’s decision to join the Reds. Matip rejected an improved contract offer from Schalke to stay in Germany.
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