It’s fair to say that it’s not been the season that the Anfield faithful would have originally hoped for, and even though the Reds are seemingly finishing this year’s campaign positively, it doesn’t look as though it’s going to be enough to please some sections of the club’s supporters.
The bar had, of course, been set high due to the hugely impressive seasons that we’ve seen under the management of Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds finishing second, third, and first in their most recent three seasons. However, this season has been a different story, with the Reds struggling to find consistently positive results to fire themselves up the Premier League table.
One of the main reasons as to why some might argue that we’ve not seen that consistency from Klopp’s side is the various injuries that have occurred in the first-team squad throughout the 2022/23 season, which have hampered his plans during crucial matches this term. In particular, the lack of strength in depth in Liverpool’s defensive options has been apparent this season more than any other, with the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez missing parts of this year’s campaign through injury.
Matip has been with Liverpool since 2016, having signed for the club from German side Schalke. He featured more in the 2021/22 season last term than any other season for Klopp’s side, but has found regular minutes hard to come by this term, having been restricted to just 19 appearances in all competitions, and with just ten league starts to his name, it seems that his future could lie elsewhere.
The Cameroon international is contracted with Liverpool until the summer of 2024, and the club could soon make a decision on his future, especially if they’re looking to obtain some funds for Matip, instead of allowing his contract to run out at the end of the 2023/24 season. It’s somewhat understandable as to why some supporters might be keen to see him move on, especially given the lack of minutes he’s had this season due to poor form and injuries. At the age of 31 as well, some might argue that he’s past his best form nowadays, and that they should look more towards a younger central defender to partner Virgin van Dijk on a frequent basis.
We’ve already seen Napoli defender Kim Min-jae linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, although it remains to be seen as to whether the South Korean international would be keen on a departure from the Italian giants, who look destined to clinch the Serie A title this term. Matip has always been somewhat of an understudy to Virgin van Dijk, and it really wouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see the 31-year-old leave the club in the summer, especially if Liverpool are looking to rebuild ahead of the 2023/24 season, which is one they’ll be looking to mount a serious title challenge to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, after a sluggish season this term.
Experts at MyBettingSites have revealed that Liverpool are priced at 10/1 on Sky Bet to win the 2023/24 Premier League title, with the odds of other teams for next season being displayed below.
- Manchester City @ 4/6
- Arsenal @ 13/2
- Manchester United @ 11/1
- Chelsea @ 12/1
- Newcastle United @ 12/1
- Tottenham Hotspur @ 25/1
- Brighton & Hove Albion @ 40/1
Odds displayed are correct as of 3:29 pm, Wednesday 26th April 2023. Odds are subject to change.
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