The Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern are growing ever concerned by rumours linking Emre Can with a move away from the club.
Emre Can joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014 for a fee in the region of £11 million, in what now appears to be a bargain price considering the state of the current transfer market. Can has impressed in fits and starts during his career on Merseyside, and his performances have drawn the attention of a handful of Europe’s heavyweights. According to The Daily Star, early season pacemakers Manchester City have entered the race to sign Can. With his contract set to expire next summer, City are eyeing up the German on a free transfer, in what would represent a financially shrewd piece of business for the club.
With both Yaya Toure and Fernandinho’s contracts set to expire next summer, City will certainly be scouting and analysing an array of Europe’s top central-midfield talents to seek replacements in this area, who are capable of matching the standard set by the aforementioned players. Although Yaya Toure is now massively out of favour at the club, Fernandinho remains an integral part of the side.
It would be no exaggeration to describe Fernandinho as irreplaceable, and if he leaves the club at the end of the season City will deeply struggle to sign a player that can play his role as effectively.
The 32-year-old Brazillian has been one of the most underrated players in the Premier League for quite some time. Pep Guardiola’s overly attacking style of play means he is handed the responsibility of controlling the centre of midfield completely on his own at times, and yet he performs a seemingly impossible role with ease on a regular basis.
Indeed, Can is a different player to City’s trustworthy midfield general of the last 5 years, but if he makes the switch to the Etihad he will have to adapt to a new role that is far different from the one he has become accustomed to at Anfield.
While he’s clearly got a long way to go to prove himself as a Sergio Busquets kind of player, perhaps Can could operate in a similar role to the Spaniard in a Guardiola team, cutting passing lines before starting attacks from deep. Technically gifted, physically imposing and mobile enough to cover a big space, the German does have the attributes.
The transition to Manchester would be difficult for Can, but if he could ensure that City do not feel the loss of Fernandinho, then his Premier League switch will eventually be regarded as a resounding success.
Man City fans – what are your thoughts? Let us know!
About the Author
