Why Bayer Leverkusen want to sign Joël Matip | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in former Liverpool defender Joël Matip is known. The Bundesliga side are looking to reinforce their defence after missing out on primary candidate, Waldemar Anton, who joined neighbouring Borussia Dortmund, with Bayer now looking towards the former Schalke 04 man.

As reported earlier, it is understood that the German champions view the 32-year-old as a possible replacement for the soon-to-be departing Jonathan Tah, while Matip is a player who would offer Leverkusen valuable experience at the top level.

Why do Bayer Leverkusen want Joël Matip?

As reported by Kicker, Matip meets the criteria that Bayer Leverkusen’s recruitment team expect from a defender: one that is quick, and that has proven themselves in playing a high defensive line. But not only that, only the years Matip has shown time and again his ability to anticipate play, and to put himself in the right positions.

Additionally, Matip is a defender that can play with the ball at his feet, progressing the ball from deep, be it with his passing or dribbling ability. And at 6ft 5in, the Cameroonian is also prolific in the air, all qualities that Xabi Alonso desires.

And after his contract at Liverpool, where he played 201 games across all competitions, expired, Matip is now available on a free transfer. Because of the player’s time at Schalke, Matip would also help towards the local player rule for the European competitions.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder