If reports are to be believed, Liverpool are at crossroads with their midfielder Emre Can who has been stalling his contract for a year now after the Reds have apparently not agreed to insert a release clause in his contract. The German international has been one of the blooming talents in the English Premier League and would be quintessential to the progress of the side.
It was three years ago, in 2014, that Liverpool had to meet the £9.75 million release clause of the German youngster from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. International Soccer Management, the player’s agent has now asked the club to insert a figure in his contract not doing which could mean the Reds lose him next summer.
He has just 10 months left on his contract and more importantly, he will be able to start discussing possible options outside England with Serie A giants Juventus keen on landing such a long-term solution. Manager Jürgen Klopp, who has shown immense trust in him since day one has described the situation as “not too cool”, although he remains admirable of his commitment.
Can was not one of the hottest prospects in the recently concluded transfer window and that was good news for Liverpool. He has made 133 appearances for the Reds so far and 115 of which have come as part of the starting lineup. Despite being only 23, he has shown way more maturity and Liverpool wouldn’t be willing to part ways with him now.
However, they are a tad bit late now as an improved contract for him could be heavy in their pockets given the inflated market. And their recent buys of Naby Keita from Red Bull Leipzig and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal, indicate they have already been making plan Bs for him.
There is hardly a way out for this conundrum now as Can’s keenness on getting a release clause means he is seeking chances with a bigger club. Liverpool will definitely have to increase his wages for starters, particularly given Dejan Lovren signed a new £100,000-a-week contract in April. However, even that isn’t likely to guarantee anything, except more investment.
Alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum, Can has been brilliant so far with his ability to retain possession and spray the ball in the attacking third. Him staying at Anfield could solve their problem of seeking a potential no.6 or no. 8 for a long time.
He has been a regular for the German national side too and has earned 16 caps since making his debut in 2015. If Liverpool want to put a price tag on him, it should be above £40 million that covers both the prices of Keita and Chamberlain who are likely to take his place in the future. What do you think Emre Can is worth in the current transfer market?
