Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip to leave Liverpool when contracts expire, joining departing Jurgen Klopp

Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are both set to bid farewell to Liverpool this summer upon the expiration of their contracts, which was announced on Friday.

The pair will depart alongside outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp, who joined Liverpool in 2015.

Thiago joined from Bayern Munich in 2020, having started in the UEFA Champions League and won it just a few months prior.

Viewed by many as one of the finest midfielders in Europe at the time, the Spaniard’s time at Anfield has been marred by fitness and injury issues, especially in the last 12 months.

Thiago has played just one Premier League game this season, and his last start for the club came 14 months ago in a 3-0 defeat at Wolves.

He has made 98 appearances overall and is believed to be one of the club’s highest earners, behind only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

"Before he even came to Liverpool, I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play," said Klopp.

"Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us.

"I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.

"From that point on, I got to see him up close and all I can say is 'wow'. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.

"I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us, but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.

"Now he will go in a new direction with his family and we can only wish them well. Wherever he plays next I would be happy to watch. An artist of the game who will only ever paint the most beautiful pictures."

Although struggling to make a consistent impact on the pitch, he opened a new play area for young children in Toxteth last year through The Alcantara Family Foundation and the LFC Foundation.

"Our foundation's work is to be a part of and involved in the cities where we live," Thiago said at the time. "Liverpool was a choice, and we want to leave a piece of our body, our soul here."

German-born defender Matip will also leave after an eight-season spell that saw him pick up a Premier League and Champions League winners medal. 

The 32-year-old was one of Klopp’s first signings upon his arrival in Merseyside; the manager signed him on a free transfer from Schalke 04.

Matip has made 201 appearances, scored 11 goals and picked up seven winner’s medals. The defender has become known for his dribbles out of defence.

One of his finest moments in a Liverpool shirt came in the UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham in 2019, where his defensive efforts shut out Spurs completely on one end, and he teed up Divock Origi to score at the other, leading to his side hoisting the coveted trophy.

“If I had to choose one moment from his time here it would definitely be his assist for Divock Origi at the Champions League final in Madrid,” added Klopp.

“This was the touch that detonated an explosion in the LFC family. What a moment. What a player.

“We wish Joel and his family the very best for the future.”

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