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Liverpool fans on social media have reacted after the club announced that Joel Matip is set to depart from Anfield as a free agent after a successful eight-year tenure. Fans have also urged Premier League giants like Manchester United and Chelsea to sign him amid their defensive woes this season.
Matip joined the Reds as a free agent from Schalke 04 in the summer of 2016. The 32-year-old centre-back played an integral role in improving Jurgen Klopp and Co's defense over the years, forming a dominant partnership with Virgil van Dijk. He was also renowned for his aerial threat and ability to drive the ball forward well into midfield.
The former Cameroon international made 201 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists. He also helped Liverpool win six major trophies, including the 2019-20 Premier League title and 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, in which he scored in the final in their 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
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Despite making a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign in which Matip made 14 appearances in total, his season was cut short after suffering an ACL injury at the start of December. Moreover, the Anfield faithful will be gutted as he is set to leave without having a farewell game as well.
Liverpool's official X handle made an official announcement on Friday, May 17, posting:
"Joel Matip will bid farewell to the Reds this summer after an eight-season spell during which he helped the club to some of its most memorable modern moments. Thank you for everything, Joel"
One fan posted, claiming Manchester United should sign Matip on a free transfer amid their injury crisis in defense this season:
"I love this man, he won us the EPL , Manchester United should come for him he's going to help them with Maguire"
Another fan wrote:
"Quality servant for Liverpool. Shame he struggled so much with injuries. I’m sure he will find a new home next season. Useful player still."
Other fan reactions can be viewed below:
"Chelsea should go for him," one fan stated.
"He can come to chelsea," another fan wrote.
"Good-bye is normal in football. It's just that some aren't that painful," one fan said.
"He should join Manchester United," one fan chimed in.
"What a run. One of d best free transfers in Liverpool history. Goodluck," another fan stated.
Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich star set to leave Liverpool this summer
In addition to Joel Matip leaving Liverpool this summer, the club also announced that Thiago Alcantara will also be departing Anfield this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
The club posted on X:
"Thiago Alcantara's time with the Reds will come to an end this summer upon the expiration of his contract. A truly special player. Thank you for everything, Thiago"
The Reds signed Thiago from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020 on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £20 million. During his time at the club, he made 98 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists, winning two trophies in the process.
Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, Liverpool fans never truly got to see the best of Thiago as he struggled with multiple injuries. He has missed 129 games in total due to illness and injury over the past four years, and has made just one appearance this season due to a hip and muscle injury.
