Emre Can has finally decided on a move to Juventus in what could be a huge blow to Liverpool. He could complete a transfer this month, according to reports.
According to Sky Sports, the German international has agreed to terms in principle with the Italian side after holding advanced talks on Thursday. The Germany international’s contract at Liverpool runs out in the summer, which means he would be able to leave on a free transfer.
Jurgen Klopp has remained optimistic that the midfielder will opt to remain at Anfield, and the player himself has admitted he could still decide to stay. However, it looks as though Liverpool have run out of time to make their move, with Can reportedly agreeing terms to join Juventus.
Serie A champions Juventus have been trying to sign Can for some time but the report suggests that the midfielder will not leave Liverpool in the January transfer window. Back in October, Juventus chief executive, Beppe Marotta confirmed that they indeed made an official approach, but Liverpool denied doing any kind of business due to their stubborn approach of not losing their star players.
At the same time, he admitted that Juventus won’t be making any bid for the German powerhouse in the winter transfer window as they know that the Merseysiders won’t entertain any offers.
“We don’t think we are going to make a big signing in January,” Marotta told Premium Sport, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
“Our team is absolutely competitive and we have some very interesting midfielders like Bentancur who has already showed his qualities. We have faith in this team and in these lads. As for Emre Can, I don’t think Liverpool will sell him in January.
“We made an offer for him in the summer but the Reds didn’t sell him so I don’t think they’ll change their mind in the middle of the season.”
Klopp had earlier expressed his desire to keep Can at the club but also admitted he won’t pressurise the midfielder to sign a fresh contract.
“What could I do now? I could say, ‘yes, it is a big problem’ but it isn’t,” Klopp was quoted by Sky Sports.
“He is also allowed to sign a contract [with Liverpool] in May as a player who is still already here. I have no problem with that.
“As long as Emre doesn’t give me one sign his mind is somewhere else I don’t have to talk about this, it is a normal thing in football.”
So as things stand, Can, who has made 154 appearances, scoring 16 goals, will stay at Liverpool until the end of the season and join the Italian champions Juventus on a free transfer in the summer.