Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'

Xabi Alonso is eyeing Joel Matip. (Image: Getty)

Xabi Alonso is working on signing former Liverpool defender Joel Matip on a free transfer this summer as Bayer Leverkusen prepare to defend their first-ever Bundesliga title, according to reports. Matip could be on his way to the German champions after leaving Anfield alongside Jurgen Klopp, who made no secret of his admiration.

The 32-year-old defender joined Adrian and Thiago Alcantara as the players to depart Liverpool at the start of July after the expiry of their contracts.

And he is in line for a blockbuster return to the Bundesliga as Alonso eyes defensive reinforcements in the coming weeks.

Related articles Man Utd ‘deployed Ferdinand’ to secure Yoro transfer as video message emerges Man Utd 'reach agreement' for third transfer during talks with Jorge Mendes

According to Sky Germany, Leverkusen are very interested in signing Matip on a free transfer and have held early discussions.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Alonso is said to be keen on acquiring an experienced centre-back, and Matip fits the bill after his eight-year stint on Merseyside.

The Cameroon international joined Liverpool from Schalke 04 on a free transfer in 2016 and made 201 appearances in all competitions.

Matip won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield under Klopp before both departed at the end of last season.

He formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk during his Liverpool career and was unsurprisingly a favourite of Klopp's.

Jurgen Klopp branded Joel Matip 'wonderful'. (Image: Getty)

And the former Reds manager waxed lyrical about Matip after it was confirmed that he wouldn't be signing a new contract.

"In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip," Klopp said.

"I'm not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him. A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being.

"We have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have, and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.

Related articles Erik ten Hag has already teased Man Utd's next target after Leny Yoro transfer Man Utd release cold statement as Marseille confirm £27m Mason Greenwood deal Leny Yoro speaks out after Madrid and Liverpool snub as Man Utd confirm transfer SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"Joel's qualities as a player are there for all to see, and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined.

"I don't think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group."

Liverpool look set to enter the new season with Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as Arne Slot's centre-back options.

But Leny Yoro was reportedly a prime target before he completed a £52m transfer to Manchester United on Thursday evening, so Slot could still be eyeing reinforcements.

Related articles Rashford caught speeding at 104mph while ‘being followed’ as driving ban issued 'I played against Lionel Messi - there's one thing you have to avoid'

Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'

Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'

Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'

Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'

Xabi Alonso eyes Liverpool link-up for 'loved' star Jurgen Klopp branded 'wonderful'