Two days before their final match of the season, Liverpool FC announced that Joel Matip and Thiago will leave the club this summer. Their contracts, which expire soon, will not be renewed.
Joel Matip, who has been with Liverpool for eight years, was one of Jürgen Klopp’s first signings. Born in Bochum, Matip moved to Liverpool from Schalke 04 in 2016 on a free transfer and has since made 201 official appearances for the Reds. His major achievements include winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later.
“In all the years I’ve been involved in football, I’m not sure I’ve come across many players who are as beloved as Joel Matip. I’m not even sure it’s possible to say anything bad about him,” Klopp said about Matip, who is currently recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Klopp described the 32-year-old center-back as “a wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer, and a wonderful person. We were blessed to have him with us for so long, and now we can only wish him all the best as he embarks on a new path.”
Thiago’s Departure After a Challenging Season
Shortly after Matip’s departure was announced, the Reds also confirmed Thiago’s exit. The Spanish midfielder, whose contract is also expiring, joined Liverpool in 2020 after winning the treble with Bayern Munich. Over four years, he made 98 official appearances. In 2022, he helped Liverpool win the English Cup, scoring a goal in a 6-5 penalty shootout victory.
This season, the 33-year-old was limited to just one appearance due to injuries. “I know the injuries have been frustrating for him and for us, but the level at which he was able to play when he was available was incredible. That’s what I’ll remember,” Klopp emphasized.
The final home game on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers (5 PM, LIVE! on Kicker) will mark the last curtain call for Matip and Thiago at Liverpool. With Klopp at the helm, it’s sure to be an emotional farewell.
