Liverpool will sign Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke at the end of the season.

Matip is a central defender who can also play in the midfield.

“I have always said that there is only one reason I would leave Schalke - to experience something completely new," said Matip. "For that reason, I never considered a move to another Bundesliga club. Even though the decision wasn’t easy, I am certain that this is the right moment for me to take the next step in my career.”

Horst Heldt, the Schalke sporting director, said: “His decision is nothing against Schalke. He wants to try something new. We have held extensive discussions with both the player and his agent since May. It became clear very quickly that certain decisive factors meant we would not be able to influence his decision.”

Liverpool’s interest in Matip has been known since January.