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Jurgen Klopp plays down talk of Liverpool signing Joel Matip replacement in January

Klopp plays down talk of Liverpool signing Matip replacement in January
© Reuters
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp plays down speculation suggesting that the club will look to sign a new centre-back to replace the injured Joel Matip.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has played down speculation that the club will replace the injured Joel Matip in the January transfer window.

Klopp confirmed during the week that Matip had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in last Sunday's 4-3 win over Fulham.

Matip is now set to miss the rest of the season, leaving Klopp with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and the inexperienced Jarell Quansah as his four central defensive options.

With Liverpool still competing in four competitions, there has been a suggestion that the club will delve into the transfer market to sign a new centre-back.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool were considering a move for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, who has been valued at £30m.

Liverpool's Joel Matip receives medical attention after sustaining an injury on December 3, 2023© Reuters

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has also been linked with a move to Anfield following the news of Matip's serious knee injury.

However, Klopp has poured cold water on the recent transfer speculation, highlighting the difficulty of finding the "right player".

"You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world," Klopp told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

"They all cost money, it must be the right player. We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half. Tell me one."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts on November 25, 2023© Reuters

"Is it now perfect? As long as we can go with those four [centre-backs]. If not, then it will be a bit more tricky with the amount of games coming up. It was never wonderland when you bring a world-class centre-back until the other one is fit again.

"As long as other clubs don't put them under the Christmas tree for us and say, 'Take it and use it for as long as you need it'...I didn't really think about it yet because it was only five days since we had that problem. I don't think so, to be honest."

The Liverpool boss also stated that he expects the club to "show their class" regarding Matip's future, with the player's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Matip has been added to an injury list that includes Andrew Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota.

Having collected 34 points from their 15 league matches, the Reds head into the weekend in second position and just two points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

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