Internal defender Joel Matip is on Bayer’s list. After his time at Liverpool FC, the 32-year-old is currently without a club
The search for a central defender has been going on at Leverkusen for some time now. The Werkself would have liked to sign new international Waldemar Anton, but he opted for a move from VfB Stuttgart to Borussia Dortmund. Bayer had to reorient itself accordingly – and has now set its sights on Joel Matip, who most recently defended for Liverpool FC. The TV channel Sky first reported on the interest, for which there are several reasons.
Firstly, Matip certainly meets the sporting criteria that Leverkusen require of a defender: He is equipped with decent basic speed, proved in England that he can convince in a high defensive line. On the one hand, he was able to anticipate well and defend resolutely. On the other hand, he demonstrated his ability to run off balls and opponents. In his own possession, Matip likes to dribble frequently, is confident in his build-up play and, at 1.95 meters tall, is a factor in the air for set-pieces. Qualities that should appeal to coach Xabi Alonso
Matip is available to Bayer on a free transfer
Secondly, Matip is currently available on a free transfer. His contract with Liverpool FC, for whom he had played since the summer of 2016, recently expired. An argument that needs no further explanation, although a hand money would be due. Thirdly, Bayer now have an urgent need in defense, as the future of defensive boss Jonathan Tah is uncertain and there are also transfer rumors surrounding Piero Hincapie. Fourthly, Matip, who trained at Schalke, could help Bayer comply with the local player rule for the Champions League and immediately take Tah’s place. And fifthly, he would bring a wealth of experience to this team, which also wants to cause a sensation internationally in 2024/25
The 32-year-old once played 194 Bundesliga games for Schalke 04 before moving to England to coach Jürgen Klopp. Under his guidance, Matip made 150 Premier League appearances and played in the 2019 Champions League final, which Liverpool won 2-0 against Tottenham. He has a total of 498 competitive matches at club level and 27 caps for Cameroon. At Bayer, Matip could lead the way, guiding his younger colleagues – both on and off the pitch. Even though he hasn’t featured in a competitive match there since last December
Matip was recently absent due to a cruciate ligament rupture
The defender suffered a cruciate ligament rupture against Fulham FC (4:3) on December 3, 2023 and was then absent through injury – as he has been more often in his career. In Leverkusen, Matip would therefore have to be reintroduced to competition in the summer preparations. An aspect that does not seem to be causing any headaches for those responsible. In any case, there have recently been more and more reports that talks with Matip’s side are becoming increasingly concrete
