LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Emre Can of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and NK Maribor at Anfield on November 1, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Liverpool star close to finalizing massive Juventus move
Juventus are ready to rob Liverpool of a serious talent
Jurgen Klopp isn’t exactly blessed with a ton of midfield defensive talent at Liverpool. That’s precisely why the Reds cannot afford to lose Emre Can. Unfortunately, Juventus are about to make that Anfield nightmare a reality.
Reports from England claim the German international is close to signing a pre-contract with the Serie A giants. It’s possible that Juventus will try to bring him to Italy during the January transfer window, but don’t expect Liverpool to be in any mood to accommodate the Old Lady’s interests.
Liverpool have tried to re-sign Can on multiple occasions, but the player does not seem interested in continuing on at Anfield. That’s a very curious reality given the playing time he’s enjoyed under Klopp. When Can is fit and firing he’s a regular member of the German manager’s starting XI.
One can only assume this must be an issue of money or a personality conflict. Liverpool aren’t usually outbid in terms of wages. Juventus are capable of flexing their financial muscle, but they aren’t known as a club that spends massively on wages either.
That makes a personality conflict between Klopp and Can the more likely culprit. Despite both Can and Klopp speaking the same literal language, it doesn’t seem they communicate well in terms of tactics. My guess is that Can just doesn’t enjoy Klopp’s constant pressing. That sort of philosophy requires a massive amount of effort from his midfielders.
Even more disconcerting for a player like Can, is the club’s porous defense. It’s very possible that Can simply wants to play for a more formidable defensive unit. If that’s the case, Juventus are certainly the perfect club to join. No matter who manages the Italian giants, their back line is always one of the most intimidating groups in Europe.
No matter how you explain it, this move could prove to be a disastrous blow for Klopp’s project at Liverpool. At a time where he needs to add more steel to his midfield, he may be losing the one competent defensive midfielder he has. Tack on the fact that Liverpool will be losing him for free and it’s easy to see just how bad this is for the Anfield faithful.
