Liverpool sign Cameroonian international Joel Matip

Following Eric Bailley’s Manchester United move, another African has joined a high flying English Premier League side. Cameroonian Joel Matip is the latest signing for Liverpool.

The Mersyside outfit signed the Indomitable Lions player officially on July 1 after a February 2016 pre contract announcement. He joins on a free transfer from German side Schalke.

📄 Joel Matip on life ahead at #LFC, playing in the premierleague & a message for the fans: https://t.co/tj63KGfkWC pic.twitter.com/WOEclISTls

— Liverpool FC (LFC) July 3, 2016

The club have confirmed that Matip has been allocated the No.32 jersey for the 2016-17 season. Matip wore the No.32 jersey during his time at the Bundesliga club.
Previous players to have donned the shirt at Anfield include Bolo Zenden and, most recently, Cameron Brannagan.

He has featured 27 times for Cameroon since he made his debut in 2010 and has a single goal to his credit. He was part of the Cameroon team that played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He played two games at the tournament and scored against Brazil.

In an interview with the club website, he said; “I was happy [at the thought] that I could maybe be a part of this next season. I am very excited to play at Anfield. It will be a very special feeling. I can’t wait to go down Anfield Road and into the stadium – I can’t wait for it!”

He is expected to play a major role in the upcoming season for Liverpool, who were losing finalists in last seasons Europa League and also failed to secure a top four spot for the coming season.