Joel Matip is reportedly preparing to depart Liverpool in the summer, with Serie A teams expressing interest in securing his services ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The 32-year-old was forced off against Fulham in December due to injury, with manager Jurgen Klopp later confirming the centre-back had sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
While Matip has made notable progress in his rehabilitation in recent weeks, including returning to light training at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre, it appears that the season will conclude before the defender can make a return to action.
The Cameroonian, who has the advantage of holding an EU passport, has only played 14 games for the Reds this season, and his contract is set to expire in June.
Therefore, perhaps unsurprisingly, the prospect of acquiring the experienced central defender without the need for a transfer fee has sparked interest from several clubs, including two in Serie A.
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Matip open to Serie A switch
According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera via The Mirror, both Roma and Lazio are preparing to enter into discussions with Matip in the upcoming weeks about a possible move in the summer.
The report adds the defender is open to the idea of moving to Rome, but is wary of the potential pay cut he would have to accept if he left Anfield.
Matip's agents are believed to have also opened discussions of a possible move with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, while clubs from Saudi Arabia have also shown interest in acquiring his services.
Liverpool have been linked with several potential replacements for Matip in recent weeks, including Sporting Lisbon defensive duo Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio.
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Slot to replace Klopp in the summer?
Arne Slot has reportedly reached an agreement with the Reds as Klopp's successor, and it is understood that several existing Liverpool players who are not part of Slot's long-term plans will also be departing in the summer.
Among those that could join Matip on the bus out of Anfield are Thiago Alcantara and Adrian, both of whom will also be out of contract at the end of the current campaign.
In addition, there is still considerable uncertainty surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah, who could receive another blockbuster offer from Saudi Arabia in the offseason. It was widely claimed that a bid of around £150m was put on the table from Al Ittihad for the Egyptian international's signature last season.
The Reds are in third place in the Premier League standings with 74 points after 34 games and will travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Devesh Jaganath
