Wolves and Fulham transfer scuppered as Liverpool confirm major decision

Wolves linked defender Joel Matip has confirmed his retirement from professional football.

A move to Molineux had been suggested in September, but a move couldn't have taken place until January, as Wolves do not have a spot for a non home-grown player. Fulham and West Ham were also reportedly interested in the Cameroon defender.

Wolves would have been able to have signed Matip in January, if they moved a player on, removing them from their 25-man squad list, and adding Matip. No move will be taking place however, as following a 15-year playing career, the former Reds defender is calling it a day.

Reports came out from Germany yesterday that Matip was retiring from professional football, having been without a club for the last four months. It was confirmed on Saturday (October 123) by Matip’s last club Liverpool and the BBC that he would be hanging up his boots.

The 33-year-old spent eight years of his career at Anfield in a trophy-laden spell. He signed on a free transfer from FC Schalke, and won the UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Premeir League.

In his last season as a player, he made 14 appearances. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, with hislast competitive appearance coming against Fulham in early December 2023.

As for Wolves, they will now have to solider on, and look at different options. Wolves are short on centre-backs following a season ending injury to Yerson Mosquera, with a replacement for Max Kilman not found during the summer transfer window.

Santiago Bueno, Craig Dawson, and Toti Gomes are their current options. Academy graduate Alfie Pond who was on loan at Stockport County in League Two last season, has also appeared for the first-team this season.

Gary O'Neil's men have by far shipped the most goals in the league this season. In their seven matches, they've conceded 21 goals, which is six more than Everton and Southampton who have shipped 15 this term.