German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 have announced that their efforts to keep 24 year old defender Joel Matip at the club have failed - and that the player will join Liverpool this summer.
The player had rebuffed attempts by his club to extend his contract past the end of the 2015-16 season.
The German club made the announcement earlier today.
Joel #Matip wechselt zu @LFC. Alle Infos dazu: https://t.co/LVjyjwhJG3 #S04 pic.twitter.com/fzicmlUwFT
— FC Schalke 04 (@s04) 15 February 2016
Matip himself said:
"I have always said that I would leave Schalke for only one reason: to learn something new. Therefore, a move to another Bundesliga club never came into my consideration.
Although my decision was not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step."
Though born in Germany, the player has represented Cameroon 27 times at international level. He was brought through the youth system at Schalke and is capable of playing in midfield as well as his usual central defensive role.
Matip is expected to sign a 4 year deal at Anfield.
