2-exits confirmed as Matip and Thiago Alcantara leave Liverpool

Liverpool FC will bid farewell to Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara at the end of the current season. After an eight-year spell, Matip leaves Anfield with a legacy of memorable moments and major honors, while Thiago departs following a tenure marked by flashes of brilliance hampered by injuries.

Matip, 32, was one of Jürgen Klopp’s first signings as Liverpool manager, joining on a free transfer from Schalke 04 before the 2016-17 season.

Over his Liverpool career, he made 201 appearances, scored 11 goals, and collected seven winner’s medals, including Champions League and Premier League titles. Klopp praised Matip’s contributions, saying,

“In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.”

The calm and composed centre-back quickly became a fan favorite, known for his defensive solidity and occasional forays forward.

Klopp highlighted Matip’s assist for Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League final as a defining moment.

“This was the touch that detonated an explosion in the LFC family. What a moment. What a player,” Klopp reminisced.

Despite his success, Matip’s time at Liverpool was marred by injuries that limited his playing time. Klopp acknowledged this, expressing gratitude for Matip’s professionalism and impact:

“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see, and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined.”

In contrast, Thiago Alcantara’s Liverpool career, which began with high expectations in September 2020 following his Champions League triumph with Bayern Munich, has been less consistent.

Thiago made an immediate impact, completing a remarkable 75 passes in a single half during his debut against Chelsea, setting a new Opta record. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders lauded Thiago’s influence, stating,

“Because he is so calm and he plays so many creative passes, all the other players start playing like that.”

Despite his technical brilliance and creativity, Thiago’s time at Liverpool was plagued by injuries and fitness issues, limiting his appearances. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s run to the 2022 Champions League final, where they fell to Real Madrid, but was often sidelined thereafter.

Both players will leave Liverpool with best wishes from Klopp and the entire club. Klopp summarized the sentiment, saying,

“Joel and Thiago have set the standards for themselves and others. We wish them and their families the very best for the future.”