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Bournemouth 'eyeing move for outgoing Liverpool defender'

Bournemouth 'eyeing move for outgoing Liverpool defender'
© Reuters
Bournemouth are reportedly considering whether to push to sign Joel Matip on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Bournemouth are reportedly interested in signing departing Liverpool defender Joel Matip this summer.

The 32-year-old is currently searching for a new home, with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of next month.

Matip made 201 appearances in all competitions after joining the Merseyside club from German side Schalke 04 in 2018.

In six years as a Liverpool player, Matip won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.

However, he experienced a frustrating end to his Liverpool career after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in December.

Liverpool's Joel Matip pictured on September 30, 2023© Reuters

Cherries considering Matip move

The former Cameroon international is now looking to return to full fitness and find a new home ahead of the 2024-25 season.

According to The Express, Bournemouth have emerged as a potential destination for the experienced centre-back.

The report claims the Cherries are considering whether to sign Matip as a replacement for outgoing defender Lloyd Kelly.

Kelly, a former Bristol City man, is widely expected to join Newcastle United when his Bournemouth contract expires this summer.

Liverpool's Joel Matip pictured during training on September 20, 2023© Reuters

Would Matip benefit Bournemouth?

Bournemouth may have concerns about whether Matip can rediscover his best form once he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

However, the Cherries may view Matip's signing as a worthwhile risk, especially due to the low-cost nature of the potential deal.

The Cameroonian believes that he still has what it takes to compete at the top level, and is seemingly keen to join another Premier League club.

Having won multiple major honours, Matip would add valuable experience to a club looking to progress to the next level after achieving their record Premier League points total in 2023-24.

The South-coast club will be looking to push into the top half of the table and maybe even mount a European push in Andoni Iraola's second season in charge.

Matip's signing would bolster a backline that currently has Ilya Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi and James Hill as its main central defensive options.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Liverpool's Joel Matip reacts in February 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool24176158233557
2Arsenal25158251222953
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest25145641291247
4Manchester CityMan City25135752351744
5Bournemouth25127644291543
6Chelsea25127647341343
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2512584233941
8Fulham2510963833539
9Aston Villa2510873538-338
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2591063838037
11Brentford25104114342134
12Crystal Palace257992932-330
13Everton257992731-430
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2576122947-1827
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Ipswich TownIpswich2538142350-2717
19Leicester CityLeicester2545162555-3017
20Southampton2523201957-389


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