Liverpool cult hero could make SHOCK Everton move this summer

Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton could make a shock move for free agent Joel Matip this summer. 

The Liverpool cult hero, who made 201 appearances for the Reds and won the Champions League and Premier League at Anfield, was released by the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Having missed the second half of last campaign with an ACL tear, the centre-back, who turns 33 in several days, was allowed to leave Anfield when his contract expired at the end of June.

Still a free agent, Matip has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, including fierce Italian rivals Roma and Lazio.

However, they are not the former Cameroon international's only suitors, with a recent report adding a trio of clubs - including Everton - to his list of admirers.

EVERTON ENTER RACE FOR JOEL MATIP

According to an exclusive from CaughtOffside, former Red Matip is now wanted by Everton, Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen as the 2024/25 season draws closer.

The report states that all three clubs have made contact with Matip's representatives and they now have 'all the information about the defender's situation'.

The Toffees have already lost Ben Godfrey this summer and Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate could also depart in the coming weeks.

Unsurprisingly, an experienced and accomplished centre-back with great physical attributes makes perfect sense for Sean Dyche - even if both Everton and Liverpool fans will be stunned by links.

Far more palatable moves to Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen are also seemingly on the cards, with the latter an exciting prospect under former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. The Bundesliga champions want to strengthen before an important season in the Champions League.

WILL JOEL MATIP JOIN EVERTON?

Of course, there is a possibility that Matip would join Everton this summer. An opportunity to continue in the Premier League and stay on Merseyside may be tempting.

However, the centre-back knows better than anyone the fierce rivalry between the red and blue half of Merseyside, and will likely be aware of how such a move may impact his Liverpool legacy.

From an Everton perspective, Matip would be a great signing, but let's hope that this rumour doesn't materialise.