Liverpool agreeing Joel Matip transfer has been the featured story in both English and German media for last 24 hours. According to Bild, Matip’s refusal to sign a new contract with Schalke triggered Liverpool to make a move for the 24-year old defender.
However, as initially thought, Matip’s move to Anfield is not on a free transfer. Technically, when a play joins a new club after his contract expires, it is deemed as a free transfer, however, it is different in Matip’s case.
Matip to Liverpool is not a free transfer
According to Bild, Matip will received an one-off €5million payout as signing bonus to pen a long-term deal with Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has identified the weaknesses in his current Liverpool and is eager to sort them out next summer. Klopp knows Matip from his time managing in Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and rates him very highly.
Matip’s Liverpool salary will be €7m-per-yer
According to sources close to Liverpool football club, it is believed that, Klopp pushed hard for Matip’s signature and convinced the board to pay the €5million signing bonus and a salary of €7m-per-year.
Like other free transfers, Matip is not a player Premier League club is willing to take a gamble on. He is a proven talent and that is why the €5million signing fee might seem like a bargain deal for Liverpool. Had he been bought under normal circumstances, Matip would have easily commanded a transfer fee of €15-20million (£25m).
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