Southampton are being linked with an audacious move for a Champions League winner if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Russell Martin‘s side face Leeds United in the Championship play-off final on Sunday, with the winner securing an instant return to the top flight.
It is likely to be a busy summer at St Mary’s regardless of promotion, but they could see the quality of player they can attract in the transfer window significantly increased if they are victorious at Wembley this weekend.
Should they overcome Leeds for the third time this season, Martin and the Southampton hierarchy will have little time to relax with improvements required to get the squad Premier League ready.
Now, reports suggest they are targeting a player that would significantly help with that, but face competition from Bournemouth for his signature.
Southampton could target Joel Matip if promoted
That player is Joel Matip, who will leave Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract on June 1st.
The 32-year-old has a wealth of experience, having played 201 games for the Reds across eight years according to Transfermarkt.
The centre-back only played ten league games for the Anfield side this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but helped the side to both a Premier League title and the Champions League in his time under Jurgen Klopp.
Now, The Sun are reporting that two south coast clubs could enter a tug of war for the Cameroonian’s services, with Bournemouth’s interest more concrete at this stage given Southampton’s uncertain immediate future.
Matip could provide much-need experience to young Southampton squad
Currently, Stuart Armstrong is the oldest outfield player in the Southampton squad at 32, but the Scot sees his contract expire this summer and his future beyond that is yet to be clarified.
Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is 34 but is also set to leave upon the end of his contract in June, so Southampton will be left short of experience if they are to tackle the Premier League next season.
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With that in mind, the addition of Matip could be a significant one with his invaluable experience of the very top level combined with his ability.
Promotion would also see 22-year-old central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis sign permanently given the terms of his loan deal and the opportunity to learn from Matip, who has 54 Champions League appearances to his name, would be a real bonus.
Klopp is a massive fan of defender, with the former Schalke man one of the German’s first signings for Liverpool and he was full of praise for Matip as the pair departed Liverpool at the same time.
Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.”
“I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.
“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being.”
If Southampton are triumphant at Wembley then Matip’s signature should be the next target.