Joël Matip

[RichC]

Seems like it's a done deal now it's been announced by Schalke.

Really pleased to see us strengthen at CB, a key weakness this season for me

[Chris]

If he's as good as the Schalke fans say then Klopp is going to turn him in to one of the best in the world because thats what he does.

Going to be a couple of upset Slovak's on here!

[Fivex]

Scores a few every season as well.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Its a key area we need to improve, Klopp isn't messing about, hopefully he knows him well and he'll be a step up.

[Shaggy]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/schalke-confirm-joel-matip-sign-10894843

Schalke confirm Joel Matip will sign for Liverpool this summer

13:48, 15 FEB 2016 UPDATED 13:49, 15 FEB 2016
BY DAVID PRENTICE
Joel Matip wants to try something new

FC Schalke 04 have confirmed that Joel Matip will join Liverpool in the summer - after finally admitting defeat in a prolonged bid to persuade him to stay.

We reported this morning that the 24-year-old Cameroon international had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Reds.

And Schalke manager Horst Heldt said: "Since May last year we have had many intensive discussions, both with Joel and his advisor. It was soon clear that factors we could not influence would be decisive in Joel's decision.

In a statement relased by the Bundesliga club, Matip explained that his only reason for leaving his only senior club was a desire to try something new.

"I have always said that I would only leave Schalke for one reason: to get to know something new," he said. "I never even considered a move within the Bundesliga.

"Although my decision is definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step.

"Schalke 04 will remain a big family for me. I was always proud to play for this great club.

"I will do everything in the next few months to get the most out of this season so I do not feel guilty."

[RichC]

I'd say that's likely to be 1 in and maybe 2 out ? Kolo and Skrtel ?

[Alex]

I doubt Skrtel will go. He was playing a lot and has been here for a long time now. Guess itd be hard to dislodge him.

Can see an Enrique situation where his contract is too big to move on.

[Norbs]

We need two in really though, Lovren is puny back-up and I think Gomez is going to be better suited as a full back until he reaches his early 20s.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

I'd say that's likely to be 1 in and maybe 2 out ? Kolo and Skrtel ?

Toure will be off to China by the looks of it.

Caulker, who really shouldn't count will be ****ed back off.

I can see another leaving, it could be any of Skrtel, Lovren, Sakho or most likely Ilori.

[RedReet]

Scores a few every season as well.

We'll soon put a stop to that.

[gratziani]

excellent news , never seen him play at all but Jurgen starting to put his stamp on signings already.

Here's hoping more are tied up early before the Euro's start

[Liverpel]

Excellent news.

I'll be expecting a lot more interest in my African Cup of Nations thread next year.

[Shaggy]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/207339-10-interesting-facts-about-reds-signing-joel-matip

Find out more about Joel Matip, who has today confirmed he will join Liverpool from Schalke 04 this summer, with our ten interesting facts below.

Matip stands at an impressive 6'4, making him taller than any current member of the Liverpool squad.

The defender made a goalscoring Bundesliga debut in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich at the age of just 18 in 2009.

The 24-year-old was born in Germany but opted to represent Cameroon, his father's country, at international level.

Matip's older brother, Marvin, later also played for the Indomitable Lions, while the pair's cousin Joseph-Desire Job picked up 52 Cameroon caps between 1998 and 2011.

He will become the second Cameroon international to represent the Reds in the Barclays Premier League after Rigobert Song.

Over the course of his 244 appearances for Schalke, the centre-back has averaged a goal every 10 games.

Matip helped the Gelsenkirchen club win the DFB-Pokal in 2011 before kickstarting the next season by clinching the DFL-Supercup with victory over Jürgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund on penalties.

Along with scoring three goals this season, Matip has provided three assists despite having featured solely in defence.

He becomes Klopp's third signing for the Reds after the capture of Marko Grujic from Red Star Belgrade and Steven Caulker on loan from QPR.

Matip received the only red card of his career in a Europa League clash with FC Twente in March 2012, though the decision was eventually overturned on appeal.

[Daniel 7]

He's got Heskey's goal scoring rate

[Shaggy]

Is he right sided?