Juventus Reportedly Close to Signing Emre Can

This may or may not be the end, but this is likely to be a good indicator of a specific future event unless something dramatic occurs. Juventus have been tracking Emre Can for a while and have an impressive reputation for recruiting smartly in recent years. Reports from RAI point towards a deal being close between the Italian giants and Liverpool’s 23-year-old midfielder.

For a player that turns 24 next month, there is clearly more to come; moreover, Can is entering a period where maturity, physicality, and experience should combine to great effect for a talented midfielder with the requisite drive and personality to grow. Tactical intelligence and consistency may still require development, but do not be surprised to see Can thrive in the years ahead wherever he plies his trade.

He should be given a chance to cement his place as Liverpool’s first-choice six ahead of Jordan Henderson, but that may no longer be part of the long-term plan under Jürgen Klopp. Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero described Can as “ideal” for Juventus and potentially “the big name for Juventus” in next month’s transfer window. €4 million per year plus bonuses is the rumoured agreement, but it looks that he is being signed to go straight into an already solid midfield.

Can is expected to remain with Liverpool for the rest of the season, but that high chance of leaving appears to have increased somewhat over the past week. Money does not appear to be the issue at this stage, but a player who seemed set for a long and important role under Klopp is likely to continue his career elsewhere. If he does leave, can fans take consolation in the fact that he won’t be joining Manchester City despite their alleged interest in the midfielder?

Liverpool probably cannot set a precedent of offering release clauses as part of contract negotiations even when time is running out, but a player is right to explore his options to leave upon the expiration of his contract. Every so often, a big club will lose a good player. However, such a loss should not derail future progress or success with the right people in place.

If a compromise can still be reached between Liverpool and Can’s agent, please help make it so Football Gods. If not, signing off with silverware would be adequate compensation. Perhaps this story carries little in the way of truth upon further examination, leaving those most capricious schemers left to script another glorious entry in Liverpool’s history with a powerful German midfielder at its heart.