Monday 15 February 2016 21:19, UK
Schalke have announced that defender Joel Matip will join Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp's side were interested in signing the 24-year-old during the January transfer window and it was reported they had followed up their interest with an offer for Matip.
And Liverpool have now got their man - although fans will need to wait until the summer to see Matip in a red shirt.
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt said: "We have held intensive talks since May last year, both with Joel and his advisor. But it was soon clear there were factors in Joel's decision we ultimately could not influence."
Matip told Schalke's official website: "I have always said that I would only leave Schalke to try something new and moving to another Bundesliga club was never an option.
"Although my decision was not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step.
"Schalke 04 will remain special to me. I was always proud to play for this great club and I will do everything possible in the coming months to get the most out of this season."
Matip has made 27 appearances for the Cameroon national side.
He has played across the back and as a holding midfielder for Schalke, and scored an equaliser on his debut against Louis van Gaal's Bayern Munich in November 2009.
