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Done deal! Liverpool confirm Cameroon star will move to Anfield on free transfer

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Joel Matip

Liverpool have confirmed on their official club website that Schalke star Joel Matip will join them on a free transfer at the end of the season. 

The versatile Cameroon international, who represented his country at the last two World Cups, has featured as a full-back and a midfielder throughout his Miners career but has excelled whilst operating exclusively at centre-half this season. He’s netted three times in 21 Bundesliga outings whilst averaging 1.5 tackles, 3.2 interceptions, 4.9 clearances and 3.3 successful aerial duels per match.

The 24-year-old was linked with an Anfield move during the January transfer window but a summer switch always seemed more likely, with his Schalke contract set to expire at the end of the season. Liverpool have now confirmed the deal via their club website and the Merseyside outfit are in need of defensive recruits, having conceded the most goals of any side in the Premier League’s top half this term.

As quoted by Sky Sports, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt said in regards to the free transfer; “We have held intensive talks since May last year, both with Joel and his advisor. But it was soon clear there were factors in Joel’s decision we ultimately could not influence.”

Matip, meanwhile, said; “I have always said that I would only leave Schalke to try something new and moving to another Bundesliga club was never an option. Although my decision was not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step. Schalke 04 will remain special to me. I was always proud to play for this great club and I will do everything possible in the coming months to get the most out of this season.”

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