Liverpool have triggered their option to extend Joel Matip’s contract for a further year, according to reports in the English media.
The 28-year-old’s deal was set to expire next June but the Reds have stepped in to make sure the defender doesn’t leave on a free transfer next summer.
Fans on Twitter are delighted that Matip will be staying at Anfield for a while longer, but some believe he should be offered a completely new contract following his exploits over the last year:
No brainer
— TankCityRay (@tankcityray) 10 September 2019
Best news I’ve heard today. ??⚽
— John (@JB71984) 10 September 2019
Bad news, it should be a three years contract.
— Dabiri oluwafemi??? (@Phemmy_dabson) 10 September 2019
Good and now let him sign a new one
— Ben Hatcher (@BenHatcher19) 10 September 2019
Great news
— Clear Out Left (@clear_left) 10 September 2019
Matip’s a terrific CB,I hope we can keep him for a few year’s to come
— Karl Yates LFC6****** @karlDyates (@karlDyates1966) 10 September 2019
Still, he needs tying down on a new deal in the next 3-6months.
Especially when you see how rivals are struggling to find half decent CBs.— James Ifill (@JamesIfill1) 11 September 2019
Also the second best centre back in the league ?
— Savvy (@Cheqraise1) 10 September 2019
It wasn’t long ago that the Cameroon international was a distant fourth choice in the centre of defence, but he has muscled his way up the pecking order since the beginning of 2019.
It could even be argued that Matip outperformed Virgil van Dijk in the last few matches of last campaign, and was certainly a key figure in the Champions League final as the Reds triumphed against Tottenham.