Schalke General Manager Speaks on Joel Matip Transfer to Liverpool

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Schalke defender Joel Matip this transfer window. The Cameroon international is in the last year of his contract with the Bundesliga club and recently reports suggested that he has already agreed a move with the Reds to move to Anfield in the summer.

However, if the recent comments of Schalke general manager Horst Heldt suggest that Liverpool don’t have a deal in place to sign the 24-year old. Heldt also pointed out that Schalke hopes to reach an agreement on a new deal with the defender.

“We have agreed to an appointment [with the player’s advisor] which will take place soon,” he said this week.

“I remain in good spirits, and I hope that we can convince Joel to stay at Schalke.”      

Matip has progressed through the youth ranks of the German club and has been a constant fixture in their defence for last seven seasons.

However, Schalke legend Christoph Metzelder has urged Matip to join Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

“This season he is by far the strongest defender at Schalke and an absolute anchor,” he told German publication, Der Westen.

“Joel is free. If the interest is from England and he wants to have an experience abroad, then Liverpool is a super destination for him.

“Jurgen knows he can work very well with him,” he continued. “For Joel, it would be an easier entry into a new country and a new environment. This makes a lot of sense.”