Fulham and Wolves discuss signing ‘wonderful’ Jurgen Klopp fave available for free
Former Liverpool star Joel Matip could be offered a return to the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth, Fulham and Wolves considering a move for the free-agent Cameroon international.
A stalwart of Jurgen Klopp’s hugely successful spell at Anfield, Joel Matip won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup and the 2019 Champions League alongside a number of other honours.
But, three months after his Liverpool contract expired, the veteran centre-half surprisingly remains out of work.
That could change soon, however, with HITC understanding that talks have been held over a return to the professional game. Matip has held discussions with clubs in France and Germany, where he started his career and made nearly 200 Bundesliga appearances for FC Schalke 04.
There is, however, also the option of a fresh start in England.
HITC can confirm that Bournemouth, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all mulling over a deal of their own.
Matip turned 33 in August and has had his fair share of injury issues over the years. But the veteran defender would still have plenty to offer on a short-term basis, provided he can prove his fitness after making only 14 appearances in his final season as a Liverpool player.
A right-sided centre-half, Fulham’s interest in Matip may come as something of a surprise. After bringing Joachim Andersen back to Craven Cottage in a £30 million deal from Crystal Palace, Marco Silva now has the Denmark international as well as Issa Diop to pick from in that right-hand role.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have the ever-improving Ilya Zabarnyi and the summer signing from Juventus, Dean Huijsen.