Liverpool path clears to replace Joel Matip with Pavard after ‘transfer request’

Jurgen Klopp reviews Liverpool's 4-4 draw with Southampton

Liverpool will reportedly consider selling Joel Matip this summer, and the stars appear to be aligning for his potential replacement. Versatile Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard is believed to have lodged a transfer request to leave the Bavarian giants, with the Reds in prime position to strike.

Matip is held to be one of the best free-transfer finds in Premier League history, having made almost 200 appearances for Liverpool since signing from Schalke in 2016. As the days of Jurgen Klopp’s formidable defence fade further into memory, however, it seems inevitable that a revamp is on the cards.

And Matip could be one of the first to make way, given that he has just one year remaining on his contract at Anfield. As a result, this summer may be the Reds’ final chance to cash in on the centre-back before losing him for free in 2024.

Reports indicate that he could be sold this summer, and Klopp may already have the perfect replacement in his sights as Pavard’s plans become clear.

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According to Sport1, the Frenchman has submitted a transfer request at Bayern and he has no plans of extending his contract beyond the end of next season. That’s despite manager Thomas Tuchel pushing hard to keep the World Cup winner, who has ‘options’ in England and Spain.

Barcelona are thought to be in the running, while Liverpool have also been linked in recent weeks as Klopp faces bidding farewell to one of his most reliable performers in Matip.

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Pavard has played a significant chunk of his career at right-back, but his 6ft 1in frame and defensive solidity have allowed him to thrive in central defence too. Bayern have also used the 27-year-old on the right side of a back-three this campaign.

That kind of versatility is sure to be valued by Klopp as he prepares his squad for a demanding 2023/24 season, domestically and in Europe. If the Reds decide to act on their reported interest, they could welcome a player with serious pedigree to Anfield.

After beginning his career with Lille and Stuttgart, Pavard clinched the 2018 World Cup with France and sealed four consecutive Bundesliga titles at Bayern, with the most recent triumph confirmed in a dramatic finale on Saturday.

Klopp may also look to pursue other defenders to flesh out his squad amid speculation that peripheral star Nat Phillips could join Matip in heading for the Anfield exit.

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