Club Chief Confirms His Interest In Liverpool Star, But Claims Deal Has Not Been Completed

Emre Can’s future destination might not be Juventus according to Giuseppe Marotta, the chief executive of the Serie A champions. As we all know, Can has been linked with a move to the Italian side ever since he refused to sign a new deal with us but Marotta claims that a number of other teams are also targeting the German international.

Can is entering the final six months of his contract and can leave on a free at the start of next season. The German can also discuss terms with non-Premier League sides from January and many believe that Juventus is his preferred destination.

However, Marotta suggested that the deal between the two parties was far from complete. He told Mediaset Premium (h/t Goal)

“Emre Can is a name doing the rounds because his contract is running down. I won’t deny he is a player we too have monitored and many important clubs will try to close a deal over the next few weeks. We are tracking the situation, nothing more.”

Is Can Crucial To Liverpool?

Can has not been the most consistent player for us this season, yet, he has played 19 games for us and has a couple of goals and assists to his name. Jurgen Klopp does want to keep hold of the German midfielder but there have been issues with his contract extension, with Can wanting a release clause which we are not willing to add.

The German had a great end to the previous season where he more or less cemented a place in the starting XI. However, the competition for places has ramped up this season and it will be even tougher for him to get regular first-team action when Naby Keita joins us at the start of next season.

Truth be told, keeping Can would be an ideal situation since the 23-year-old can grow and develop into one of the best midfielders in the world. However, the club should not be held to a ransom by any individual.

Keita would definitely be an improvement on Can but it would be better if we bought a direct replacement for the 23-year-old next season. Playing in a number of competitions will take a toll on our stars and maybe we could see some of our youth team players rise up, especially someone like Marko Grujic.

Whatever happens next season, Can is a goner unless something dramatic happens and hopefully, Klopp has a plan in hand when the German midfielder leaves in the summer.