Emre Can‘s contract at Liverpool expires next summer and Champions League finalists Juventus are said to be interested in signing the German midfielder.
Talks over a new contract for Can have rumbled on since last summer, but a deal is still be agreed with the 23-year-old’s representatives, meaning Liverpool face running the risk of allowing the German international to leave for free in 12 months’ time.
Juventus have been linked with Can for a while now and are clearly monitoring the situation.
Sky in Italy: Juventus interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Emre Can. His contract runs out next summer
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) June 2, 2017
Speaking in May, Jurgen Klopp said he was “quite positive” that a new deal would be agreed.
“There’s no secret how much I like Emre. He likes the club, and it’s a completely normal situation,” said Klopp.
“We are in talks, there’s no pressure, it’s all good. Two partners with big respect for each other.
“Everything will be good, but [there is] nothing else to say.
“Good players we can keep, that makes real sense for development. He’s one of these good players and I’m quite positive.”
In response to Juventus’ reported interest this weekend, the Liverpool Echo claim “Liverpool remain relaxed, relatively speaking at least, about the situation.
“They believe that the player wants to commit his future to the club, and are continuing to hold discussions with his representatives in order to find an agreement.”
Can faces a third summer in a row with an international tournament, having been named in Germany’s squad for the Confederations Cup this month – and thus he will miss the start of pre-season for Liverpool once again.
Allowing a player of Can’s quality and huge potential leave for free would be a catastrophic error from Liverpool FC. This is a player worth at least £40 million in today’s crazy transfer money – given that the Reds want £30 million for Mamadou Sakho.
Sorting Can’s new contract should be a priority this summer and not something to be relaxed about.
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