‘Would look to offload’: Aldridge says the time has come for Liverpool to sell £100k-a-week star

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John Aldridge has suggested to Sunday World that Liverpool should look to sell Joel Matip this summer.

Matip has generally proven to be solid back-up for Liverpool when he has been available.

However, the big problem is his fitness record.

Matip just seemingly cannot stay off the treatment table, and his failure to stay fit has really been exposed this year.

When Liverpool needed the rangy central defender to come in and cover for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, he just was unable to for any period of time.

Matip kept picking up injuries, and ultimately he was ruled out for the season.

That has left the Reds seriously short of options at the back, with the inexperienced duo of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips having to play regularly.

Liverpool are now clearly looking to strengthen in central defence this summer, which looks like a smart move.

And Aldridge feels that the time has come to sell Matip now.

“For me, I would look to offload Joel Matip this summer. He has been fantastic for Liverpool over the last few years, but he can’t play more than two or three games in a row without getting injured,” he said.

“The same problem has been there for Gomez, who is injury prone and that has to be taken into consideration when Liverpool make their decision on defensive signings this summer.

“I don’t think they can rely on Gomez and Matip to be fit for a full season, so signing Kabak would be the right way to go as they can’t leave themselves so short at the back again.”

The problem for Liverpool is that as cover Matip is actually a useful option.

When he isn’t required to play three games a week, his body seems to stand up to the rigours of football better than when he is a regular starter.

Liverpool are unlikely to find too many better covering options than Matip.

But if the club did want to buy a player with more potential, and a better injury record, it would be no surprise, especially as Matip is on a hefty £100,000-a-week contract at Anfield (Spotrac).