Yesterday, Liverpool agreed a new deal with Joel Matip, who was lured on a free transfer few years back and now, he is a key member of the squad.
According to The Daily Mail, the Cameroonian’s new five year deal will expire in the summer of 2024.
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Earlier in the day, Football Insider revealed that the fresh contract will make the 28-year-old earn £120,000-a-week, £31million until 2024.
If reports in the media are anything to go by then the African star’s previous contract with the Reds was worth £70,000-a-week (The Daily Star). Did he deserve a new deal? Without shadow of a doubt.
Jurgen Klopp lavished praise on the defender after he put pen to paper. The German boss said (LFC):
“Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.”
“I haven’t seen many in his position performing with the consistency and quality he has been.”
Matip has been immense for us and since the arrival of Van Dijk, the former Schalke man has formed a rock solid central defensive partnership with the Dutch international.
He played a vital role in our Champions League triumph last term. Not to forget, Matip provided the all important assist for Origi’s (Liverpool’s second) goal in the CL final vs Spurs.
As far as the current campaign is concerned, Matip has already netted two goals and for his top displays last month, the centre back won the PFA Player of the Month award. His importance at the back became quite clear in the last two games when he was absent and we struggled defensively.
Let’s hope that he is fit to start against Manchester United in the Premier League tomorrow.
