Can Liverpool Still Convince Emre Can to Stay?

It’s been a near foregone conclusion that Emre Can will leave Liverpool this summer to play at the feet of the Italian Alps for Juventus. The German midfielder has yet to sign a renewed contract with the Reds and his deal on Merseyside runs out at the end of this season. That means that Can will be free to sign a pre-contract with another club this month during the transfer window. But are the Liverpool contract negotiators completely set on letting the 23-year-old move on?

The new word out of head office is that the club haven’t given up on convincing Can to stay. It’s not clear how that would happen, though, considering this whole scenario has something to do with Emre and his representatives wanting a release clause inserted into any new deal and Liverpool flat out refusing. Can has insisted that his rejection of any fresh terms has nothing to do with money.

Juventus’ interest in Emre Can has been well known but there will certainly be other suitors in Europe that will be sniffing around the German’s availability.

Jürgen Klopp has been unwavering in his reliance on Can throughout the dubiety of the midfielder’s future. The manager has made a point of saying that he retains full confidence in Can’s commitment to the team.

It’s a tough one for the club. They don’t want to set a precedent of inserting release clauses in contracts but Emre Can is still a young player with lots of potential who, while not infallible, has been a regular and effective cog in Klopp’s machine. If he leaves, his new club will likely be getting the best years of Can’s career.

Livepool spent about £10million for Can in 2014 and he’s about to walk for free unless an agreement can be made between player and club in the next few weeks. It may be time to get creative. Throw in free dance lessons from Mané. Weekly fashion updates from Firmino. Alberto Moreno: complimentary dog walker?