Jurgen Klopp gives hint over Joel Matip Liverpool future

Jurgen Klopp has admitted it is possible that Joel Matip will be offered an extension to his Liverpool contract while he recovers from injury.

The 32-year-old defender suffered a devastating ACL injury in last month's 1-1 draw Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and is now set to sit out the remainder of the season.

Matip, who arrived at Liverpool on a free transfer from Schalke back in 2016, is in the final year of his current contract and there has been speculation that he might have already played his final game for the club, with his future up in the air.

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Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds' trip to Crystal Palace this weekend, Klopp addressed Matip's situation, hinting that an extension could yet be offered.

"I’m pretty sure the club will show their class, as you should do it," he said. "I’m pretty sure the club told Joel already that, whatever happens, as long as he is injured everything is fine.

"Now we have to make the decision with Joel how it looks after that. That’s a normal thing to do but he deserves all the support from us and he will get it.

“I would say so [there's a chance of a new deal], but it’s not my decision in the end. I cannot sign the papers."

Liverpool do have a recent history of sticking by players with serious long-term injuries, offering extensions to the likes of Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in similar circumstances.

Speaking earlier this season, Matip revealed he would be 'happy' to remain at Anfield for the rest of his career.

He said: "I'm at an age where I don’t worry so much about the future anymore.

“I try to make the most of every day and don’t look too far ahead. If in the end it was just these two clubs, I would be perfectly happy. But in football you never know for sure.”

Matip has made 14 appearances for Liverpool in 2023/24.