One of the busiest sides this summer in the transfer market will be Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp tries to turn his squad into one more suited to play his Gegenpressing style of play.
So it is not a surprise to see him head to Germany to land his first summer signing, as the Reds have signed 24-year-old Schalke defender Joel Matip on a free transfer.
In an interview on the Schalke defender Matip said:
‘I have always said I would say goodbye to Schalke for only one reason: to get acquainted with something completely new.
‘Therefore, a change within the Bundesliga never came into consideration for me. Although my decision is definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step.’
He added: ‘Schalke will remain a big family for 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. I owe the fans and the team.’
Matip looks like a terrific signing by Klopp and Liverpool. According to whoscored.com, he is tied with Dortmund defender Mats Hummels as the best central defender in the Bundesliga this season. For Liverpool to get him on a free is a massive coup!
Matip will join Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic, Jurgen Klopp’s first signing as Liverpool manager, at Anfield next season as the rebuilding at Anfield is well underway.