Joel Matip: A Veteran Defender on the Verge of a Premier League Return?

Three months after his Liverpool contract expired, former Reds defender Joel Matip is being linked with a move back to the Premier League. AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly considering bringing the free-agent Cameroon international back to English football, according to HITC. Matip’s legacy at Liverpool, combined with his vast experience, has sparked renewed interest in his services.

A Decorated Career at Liverpool

Matip, 33, was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s successful reign at Liverpool, where he won a host of trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the 2019 Champions League. Klopp’s emotional farewell to Matip earlier this year highlighted the defender’s immense influence both on and off the field. Klopp once remarked:

“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.”

Despite these accolades, Matip has surprisingly remained out of work since leaving Liverpool. However, with discussions now taking place with clubs in France and Germany, there is growing speculation that a return to England may also be on the cards.

Bournemouth, Fulham, and Wolves in the Race

According to HITC, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Wolves are all mulling over a deal for Matip, with each team seeking to add his experience to their squads. Matip’s leadership qualities and defensive experience could be invaluable for clubs looking to stabilize their defenses and mentor younger players.

At Bournemouth, for example, Matip could provide much-needed guidance to young talents like Ilya Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen, while Wolves could benefit from his vast Premier League experience to complement their current options of Craig Dawson, Yerson Mosquera, and Santiago Bueno.

While Fulham’s interest may come as a surprise considering the presence of Joachim Andersen and Issa Diop, Marco Silva’s side may be looking to add further depth to their squad.

Matip’s Fitness: A Key Question

Despite his impressive CV, Matip has had his fair share of injury concerns over the years. Last season, he made only 14 appearances for Liverpool, raising questions about his ability to handle the physical demands of another Premier League campaign. Nevertheless, if Matip can prove his fitness, he would still have plenty to offer on a short-term basis.

At 33, Matip remains a right-sided centre-half with a wealth of experience from both the Premier League and Bundesliga, where he made nearly 200 appearances for FC Schalke 04. His experience in high-pressure situations, combined with his technical ability, makes him an intriguing option for any club looking to shore up their defense.

A Mentor and Leader

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once praised Matip’s professionalism and his presence in the locker room, stating:

“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.”

This leadership and character are qualities that could make Matip a valuable addition for clubs like Bournemouth, where young defenders such as Zabarnyi and Huijsen could benefit from his mentorship.

Our View – EPL Index

Expectant Bournemouth supporters might feel cautiously optimistic about the prospect of Joel Matip joining their club. While Matip’s age and injury record may cause some concern, his undeniable experience at the highest level could be just what Bournemouth needs to solidify their backline. Fulham fans, on the other hand, may be surprised by the club’s interest, given their recent investment in Joachim Andersen, yet they could welcome the additional depth, especially considering Fulham’s aspirations of securing a top-half finish.

For Wolves fans, the possibility of adding Matip could be seen as a solid move to improve their defensive depth, even though the team already has several right-footed centre-halves. Matip’s leadership could prove crucial for a team that has struggled with consistency in defense.

Ultimately, while there are fitness concerns surrounding Matip, his quality and experience are not in doubt. Whether he ends up at Bournemouth, Fulham, or Wolves, Matip could prove to be a key piece for any club willing to take a chance on him.