Joel Matip’s reported wages and signing on fee suggest he won’t be backup at Liverpool

Joel Matip may have joined Liverpool on a free transfer, but his signing on fee and wages suggest he is seen as a key man for the Reds.

 

News of Matip’s switch to Anfield was confirmed on Monday afternoon, with the giant centre-back moving to Liverpool at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old is one of the most highly-rated defenders in the Bundesliga, with many hailing Jurgen Klopp‘s decision to bring him to Merseyside as a masterstroke.
While Matip’s summer contract expiration allowed Liverpool to sign the Cameroon international on a free transfer, he is still far from a cheap purchase.
According to German publication Bild, via ESPN, Matip will be paid a £3.8 million signing-on fee upon arrival, and will earn approximately £5.4 million a year in wages – just over £100,000 per week.

 

These figures would suggest that the Schalke man is seen as an important player for Liverpool from 2016/17 onwards, as Klopp looks to find a solution to his side’s eternally creaky back-line.
Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure have all failed to consistently shine throughout the campaign, and Matip will likely go straight in as first-choice next season.
With Matip arriving, does it finally spell the end for Skrtel?

The Cameroonian has spoken glowingly about his imminent move to Liverpool, adding that Klopp was key to his decision.
“Liverpool are a wicked club, and naturally it does not hurt that I already know the coach,” he told Bild.
“I had the feeling that Klopp and Liverpool are ideal for me, but the thought of leaving was naturally not easy for me.”