Joël Matip has reportedly caught the attention of both Lazio and Roma as he prepares to depart Liverpool on a free transfer this summer. With the transfer window looming, Italian football giants Lazio and Roma are gearing up for a fierce battle to secure the signature of Liverpool defender Joël Matip, who is set to become a free agent.
The 32-year-old has emerged as a target for both Serie A clubs, despite being sidelined since December due to a knee injury that ended his season. He hobbled off during Liverpool’s Premier League match against Fulham in December, with manager Jürgen Klopp later confirming that the central defender had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The Cameroonian boasts considerable experience, having played at the highest level with the Reds since his transfer from German powerhouse Schalke 04 in the summer of 2016.
According to reports from Corriere della Sera, Roma and Lazio are gearing up to enter negotiations with Matip in the coming weeks. The arrival of new managers at both clubs (Igor Tudor at Lazio and Daniele De Rossi in Rome) has injected fresh impetus into their transfer strategies as they seek to rejuvenate their squads after disappointing seasons.
Both clubs will be aiming for bigger challenges next season and believe Matip could become a defensive stalwart upon which they can build a solid foundation. However, any potential deal likely hinges on the clubs’ European qualification, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the negotiations.
Once a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense under Jürgen Klopp, injuries and the managerial change at Anfield now seem to spell the end of the popular defender’s tenure at the club – despite his willingness to extend his stay.
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