Klopp risks losing a key Liverpool pair to the January transfer window
With Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara out of contract next summer, Jurgen Klopp will have to make a decision on who will be allowed to sign pre-contracts in January. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a mid-season headache as both Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara could decide on their futures in January. Both players’ current contracts expire next summer, but they have the option of agreeing a move in the winter transfer window. This is because they can talk to non-UK clubs about signing a pre-contract agreement up to six months before the previous contract expires. This rule was introduced 28 years ago as part of the famous Bosman decision of 1995 regarding the freedom of movement of professional soccer players. Liverpool are one of the Premier League sides affected and Klopp must make a decision on both players as well as on back-up goalkeeper Adrian before the January window. Matip underwent successful surgery on the torn ACL he suffered in the 4-3 win over Fulham earlier this month. No date has been set for the return of the experienced centre-back, but it is feared that Matip has already played his last game for the club. When asked about Matipand#039’s situation after the injury, Klopp said: “I’m pretty sure the club will show their class as they should. I’m pretty sure the club told Joel that as long as he’s injured, anything happens. They have to decide with Joel, how it looks after that.” Pressed on whether that meant giving Matip a new deal, Klopp said: “I would say so, but it’s not my decision. I can’t sign the paper.” Joel Matip has a serious knee injury when his contract expires in June As for Thiago, he has not played for the Reds since the end of April after undergoing surgery on a hip problem. The Spaniard missed the final six games of the 2022/23 Premier League season and remains sidelined, with Klopp hoping to return to action in the new year. Speaking on November 3, Klopp said of Thiago: And it’s an ongoing thing and we can’t delay it either. We expect him to return – and I would say probably early in the new year. It’s already November, so that would mean four more weeks. Thiago Alcantara could leave Liverpool when his current contract expires andquot;I would say that’s probably a realistic thing to try and I can’t wait to get him back to be honest. The player that he is is simply exceptional. I understand what you’re asking, but it can’t be updated every week because it doesn’t change much now. If Thiago returns in early January, it will only increase his chances of securing a move and signing a pre-contract when his contract expires. Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce were interested in a move for Thiago in the summer, while clubs from Saudi Arabia were also paying attention. This article contains affiliate links, we receive a commission on any sale. Read more Liverpool FC Away Shirt 2023/2024 Meanwhile, Adrian signed a new one-year contract last summer to keep him at the club until June 2024 and it remains to be seen whether Klopp will decide to offer him a new deal. The former West Ham goalkeeper has not played for Liverpool this season and is currently third choice. Currently, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are entering the final 12 months of their contracts at Anfield, with Matip, Thiago and Adrian completing their deals. Read more