Matip leaves Schalke towards Liverpool – kicker

 
 
 
 

It was clear now there is certainty: Joel Matip will not extend his expiring contract and leave Schalke after the season free transfer. For months, the Royal Blues have struggled to their center-back, but the 24-year-old wants to open a new chapter in his life as a footballer -. After 16 years of FC Schalke 04

In his hometown Bochum Matip started at the age of three years at SC Weitmar 45 playing football, on the VfL Bochum he found in 2000 in the way the youth department of FC Schalke. In November 2009 he made his pro debut, it was a memorable: the away game at Bayern Munich he was in the starting lineup and scored just before the break the score to 1: 1 draw. Half a year later he made his debut in Cameroon national team and participated in the World Championships in 2010 and 2014.

Matip is still a goal threat. In the current season he benefited from the sharp standards of teammate Johannes Geis, already scored three goals. Matip has long since become a fixture in central defense of FC Schalke but feels now like a new adventure. Also offering a significantly increased content could not convince a stay with the Royal Blues to 24 year olds. Where the Financial was not decisive: “It was not about money,” said manager Horst Heldt. “We talked in the negotiations very little about numbers because it came for Joel to take a decision of principle. He wants to get to know another country and another league.” Matip it draws in the Premier League: New station will be in the summer Klopp Club FC Liverpool, which now also confirmed the Reds after Schalke

“ I have felt that it is difficult for him and that he has long struggled with it. “ Horst Heldt on Matip decision

“There were many clubs that would like to have signed him. but he has canceled a lot,” revealed Heldt. “At the end of the year Liverpool was then concretely. I felt that it is difficult for him and that he has long struggled with it.” It is a logical step for Matip, who took up a position in a club message: “I have always said that I would take from Schalke for one reason only farewell. To meet something new is why a change in the Bundesliga never came for me in consideration. “

” we are all sad that we have not been able to renew the contract, “Heldt told the effort. But he also stressed: “After nearly 16 years, the decision is legitimate.” But how much it hurts the manager that Matip leaves the club free? “It was not about making money with him. More painful, that we lose him athletic. He has made nearly 250 games for us. We have trained him and he returned hell of a lot.”

Nastasic could fill the gap

so while Benedikt Höwedes recently almost too pathetic his premature contract extension announced and will remain with the FC Schalke least 2020, blasts his neighbor Matip central defense of the miners. Matija Nastasic could fill the gap in the longer term, it is again available after his Achilles tendon at the latest from the summer with full powers available.

What will become of Neustadt?

In addition, the Gelsenkirchen build on the defense talent Thilo Kehrer (19) and Marvin Friedrich (20). Whether Roman Neustadter, currently substitute of injured Höwedes, is available even after season, is still open. Neustädters contract runs out, talks on further cooperation have not been stepped up. If Schalke so bring to Matip disposal gain from the outside? “We are with André Breitenreiter now discuss”, Heldt is currently reserved.

Toni Lieto