According to SPORT, Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is interested in signing Liverpool defender Joel Matip in January.
It’s claimed that Barca want to bring in an experienced defender in the winter transfer window, offering a short-term option to bolster Koeman’s options.
Matip is just one of the players on the wish list, alongside the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Antonio Rudiger, with a loan wanted until next summer.
Liverpool’s stance
Unsurprisingly, the report states that Liverpool don’t want to send Matip out on loan in January, meaning Barca will likely have to look elsewhere.
The Reds are without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Fabinho right now, meaning their centre back options are massively depleted as it is without loaning out their most experienced option in Matip.
The 29-year-old has injury problems himself, and there’s surely no way that Liverpool allow him to leave given that they need to sign a centre back in January rather than let one go.
Coutinho reunion
If Matip does end up at Barcelona, it would see him reunite with his former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho at the Camp Nou.
Matip branded Coutinho ‘amazing’ back in 2016, and joining forces with the Brazilian – who is back in the Barcelona plans – may be somewhat appealing.
We still doubt that Matip will end up Barcelona, but Liverpool may have to fend off former Everton boss Koeman if they’re to keep him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
