Rumour Mongering: Juventus in for Emre Can

Among the many challenges facing Liverpool this summer, a top, top priority has to be to try to tie midfielder Emre Can down to a long term contract. However, Can’s contract is down to its last year, and Liverpool certainly would not want to let the talented German go on a free next summer.

Now, according to the rumor mongers in Italy, Serie A champs and Champions League finalists Juventus are looking to bring Can to Turin next year. Despite Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp indicating that he would rather see Can leave on a free next year than lose him this summer, Juve apparently believe Liverpool could be persuaded to sell for £26 million. Liverpool signed Can from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014 for £10 million.

The 23-year-old German international racked up 40 appearances in all competitions for the Reds in 2016/17, and looks to be part of our plans going forward. The ongoing injury to captain and fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson makes it likely that Can will continue to play a pivotal role at Anfield next season, if he stays. And a return to the European action (Champions League, Fowler willing) would make Can’s role in the squad even more vital.

Juventus are certainly a big squad—one that’s miles ahead of Liverpool right now on the European stage—but it’s hard to see Liverpool selling Can to them in this window, despite the contract negotiations seemingly at an impasse. Hopefully Liverpool can sign Can up to an extension so we can officially put these pesky transfer rumors to bed (at least for 6 months or so).