Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, is confronted with a decision regarding the futures of two of his players, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, as their contracts are set to expire next summer.
Matip and Alcantara are permitted to engage in discussions with non-British clubs and potentially finalise pre-contract agreements in the upcoming January transfer window. This provision is due to a rule established 28 years ago, stemming from the influential 1995 Bosman ruling.
The Bosman ruling primarily addressed the freedom of movement for professional footballers, enabling them to negotiate with other clubs six months prior to the conclusion of their existing contracts.
Liverpool, alongside other Premier League clubs, are affected by this regulation. Klopp must now determine the future paths for Matip and Alcantara, as well as evaluate the status of back-up goalkeeper Adrian, in anticipation of the January transfer window.
Matip recently had surgery to address a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. This injury occurred during a 4-3 win against Fulham a few weeks ago. The exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. Concerns have arisen that this injury might mark the end of his playing career with the club.
Asked about Matip’s situation after his injury, Klopp said: “I’m pretty sure the club will show their class, just how they should do. I’m pretty sure the club told Joel already that whatever happens so long as he is injured. Now we have to make decisions together with Joel, how it looks after that.”
Pressed on whether that means Matip will be handed a new deal, Klopp replied: “I would say so but it’s not my decision in the end. I cannot sign the paper.”
Thiago has been sidelined from playing for the Reds since late April due to hip surgery. Consequently, he was absent from the last six Premier League matches of the 2022/23 season. As of now, he remains out of action. However, Klopp holds hope that Thiago might make a comeback in the New Year.
Speaking on November 3, Klopp said of Thiago: “It’s an ongoing thing and we cannot put any kind of pressure on there as well. We expect him to be back – and I would say probably the start of the New Year. It’s now already November, so that would mean another four weeks.
“I would say that’s probably a realistic thing to try and I can’t wait, to be honest, to have him back. The player he is is just exceptional. I understand you ask, but it’s nothing where we can have a week by week update because that will not change a lot in this moment.”
If Thiago returns in January, his likelihood of finalising a move and inking a pre-contract agreement rises, given his expiring contract. Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce eyed Thiago during the summer, with Saudi Arabian clubs also showing interest.
Adrian, on the other hand, secured a fresh one-year deal last summer, binding him to the club until June 2024. It’s uncertain if Klopp will extend his contract, especially since the former West Ham goalie hasn’t played for Liverpool this season and currently holds the third-choice position.
Currently, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are set to enter the last year of their contracts at Anfield by the time Matip, Thiago, and Adrian’s agreements conclude.
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