Schalke 04 have confirmed that defender Joel Matip will join Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old will join the Reds on a four-year deal for free after the Bundesliga side refused to sell him in the January window.

In a statement on Schalke's website, Matip said: "I have always said that I would leave Schalke for only one reason - to do something new. Therefore, a change within the Bundesliga never came into consideration for me. Although my decision is definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step.

"Schalke 04 will remain [like] family for me. I was always proud to play for this great club. Therefore, I will do everything possible in the coming months to get the most out of this season."

Matip joined Schalke, who are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, at the age of nine.