Emre Can’s imminent Liverpool arrival bad news for Brazilian
Published:It’s looking every bit like Liverpool’s squad-bolstering mission is about to acquire its second member with news Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can is crossing the t’s on a move to Anfield.
Mere days after the Reds announced the capture of England striker Rickie Lambert reports suggest the club have activated a £10m release clause in Can’s Leverkusen contract, while talks over personal terms near conclusion.
Having brushed tantalisingly close to the Premier League title this season, Brendan Rodgers is clearly under no illusion of the task his squad face in challenging at the top of the league again during 2014/15.
With the club having to balance a first Champions League campaign in four seasons with consistent league form, adding fresh faces was always going to take priority this summer.
Already considered fourth favourites to grapple the title off Manchester City at 6/1, this latest signing should go some way to improving those odds.
20-year-old Can is a combative defensive-midfielder who can also operate at left-back and his performances for Leverkusen this season have been widely cited for helping the club attain Champions League football once more.
A current Germany U21 international, his Turkish descent means he’s still eligible to turn out for Turkey at senior level if he decides to.
Can’s move does however throw into some doubt the future of Lucas at Anfield.
The Brazil midfielder’s place in the team had already been pressured by Steven Gerrard’s deeper deployment this season, before the emergence of Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in the central-midfield positions provided further obstacles.
Can’s introduction could ensure Rodgers decides to cash-in on the injury-prone 27-year-old this summer.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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