Speculation has been rife around Joel Matip’s future at Liverpool since the Reds won the Champions League in June.
The German-born Cameroon international has excelled at Anfield over the last 12-plus months. Due to his form in red, questions had been raised regarding Matip’s contract.
Similar to James Milner’s contract, there has been confusing regarding Matip’s deal. It was believed this season would be his last at the club, however, the Reds do have an option for a further year on the imposing centre-back.
That option was activated by Liverpool this week to keep Matip at the club until 2021. One ex-Liverpool player claimed manager Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want Matip at Liverpool in the future and that is why no contract had been previously offered.
Those claims seem silly. That ex-Liverpool player has made several stupid and false remarks about the club and its players lately.
However, Klopp does want to get Joe Gomez into the side regularly as his starting centre-back. Unfortunately, Matip’s form has been so good it is keeping Gomez out of the starting centre-back position.
Gomez has actually looked better as a right-back next to both Matip and Virgil van Dijk than playing as one of the two central defenders.
Why would Liverpool allow Joel Matip to leave in 2021?
Matip turned 28-years old in early August, and by the time his contract now ends at Liverpool in 2021, he will be 29. The centre-back earns £100,000-per-week and Liverpool may feel handing him a long-term contract for a higher salary is not advantageous.
Gomez, Ki-Jana Hoever, and Sepp van den Berg are all waiting to take their chances and play regular first-team football. Although a Champions League winner and top-notch centre-back, Matip could have difficulty finding a club that will pay him more than £100,000-per-week if he leaves Liverpool in 2021.
The Reds could be motivated to offer Matip a one-year or two-year contract next season to keep him for a short period. However, it looks more likely the big man will be phased out. Despite Klopp wanting to turn to Gomez, Matip continues to show he is deserving of his place.
Liverpool Reds FC Blog 
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