3 Feb 2016

'Super' Transfer: Legend explains why 'Liverpool' must sign £50k-a-week powerhouse. Offer already made last week

With seven goals conceded in the last four games, defensive frailty continues derail Liverpool's season, and the 2-0 defeat to Leicester last night once again underlined the pressing need to solve this particular issue. One possible option is Schalke star Joel Matip, and according to Bundesliga legend Christoph Metzelder, Matip is the perfect signing for LFC.

Last week, Sky Sports claimed:

"Liverpool have put in an offer for Schalke defender Joel Matip, according to Sky sources. Matip has told his club he wants to leave".

Speaking to The Telegraph on Sunday, Metzelder noted:

“Liverpool is a super destination for him [Matip]. Jurgen Klopp knows he can work very well with him. For Joel [Reportedly offered £50k-a-week by LFC] it would be an easier entry into a new country."

Excellent Matip is available on a free this summer, but Schalke are certain that the Cameroon international will sign a new contract. Over the weekend, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt claimed:

"We have agreed to an appointment [with the player’s advisor] which will take place soon. I remain in good spirits and I hope that we can convince Joel to stay at Schalke.”

Cleary, Schalke want a new deal in place to ensure that Matip can't leave for free in the summer. It's a common transfer strategy, and if Matip is dead-seat on leaving, then it makes perfect sense.

One thing's for sure: Matip (or any new central defender) will be under intense pressure to make a positive defensive impact. Rightly or wrongly, fans will expect him to make an immediate difference, and unless Matip is ready for the weight of expectation, he may buckle under the pressure (just like Lovren).

As such, bulletproof mental strength surely has to be a pre-requisite for any new central defender. Is Matip up to the task?

Author: Jaimie K


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