Joel Matip transfer talks ‘moving forward’ – he could sign for new club next week – Liverpool FC

Talks over a free transfer for Joel Matip are said to be “advancing”, with the former Liverpool centre-back set to join his new club as early as next week.

Matip is three weeks out of contract, having been officially released by Liverpool on July 1, but there have been no reports of concrete interest until this week.

It now emerges that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are working on a deal to sign the 32-year-old, which would see him return to Germany after nine years away.

The defender, who was born in Bochum, came through Schalke’s academy and went on to play for their first team on 256 occasions.

Sky Germany first reported Leverkusen’s interest in Matip as Xabi Alonso looks to add an experienced centre-back to the squad.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano now has alleged that talks are “moving forward”, with Leverkusen described as “very keen” on a player who has received “several approaches” from clubs this summer.

A move to the BayArena looks likely, with Sky Germany explaining that Matip is “not averse to returning to Germany”.

That could come in the very next seven days, with IMAGEAxel Hesse speculates that it is “very possible” that Matip will travel with Leverkusen to their pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen, Germany, on July 28.

Developments surrounding Matip’s future are certainly positive, with the veteran defender deserving of a move to a top club despite his release by Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp expressed his desire to keep the number 32 after his contract expires, but after he then decided to leave Anfield himself, the decision was made to cut ties with a player whose campaign ended early due to a ACL injuries.

The former Liverpool manager even suggested that Matip would consider an early retirement, but now looks set to extend his playing career at a Champions League club.