Why Manchester City should make a move for Emre Can in January
According to a report from Football Italia, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are both interested in Juventus midfielder Emre Can. Sami Khedira’s stay coupled with Juventus’ inability to offload Blaise Matuidi this summer could see the Germany international being sacrificed.
Emre Can, 25, joined Juventus on a free transfer from Liverpool last summer. He enjoyed a solid debut campaign in Turin with 37 appearances, four goals and an assist, plus winning the Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana.
Should the 25-year-old stay put at Juventus and fight for his place under Maurizio Sarri amidst interest from PSG and Bayern Munich, Manchester City, who wanted to sign Emre Can on a free transfer last summer, should reignite their interest and attempt to buy him in January.
Manchester City have enjoyed a fine start to the new Premier League campaign, with the champions picking up seven points from first three games. They beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium with Sergio Aguero grabbing a double, after Liverpool’s convincing 3-1 win over Arsenal.
After Vincent Kompany left the club at the end of last season, Pep Guardiola has lost Leroy Sane for six-eight months due to knee ligament damage. That has depleted Guardiola’s options out wide as Sane is one of the few players in the side who gives City natural width and blistering pace.
David Silva is set to leave the club next summer after a decade-long stay at the Etihad. The Spaniard has enjoyed an illustrious career in Manchester and it will be no mean task to fill his void.
While Phil Foden—one of the hottest young prospects in English football—could be his natural replacement, Guardiola could need someone more experienced in midfield.
Emre Can could be that player for the Cityzens, although the German is a completely different player than what Silva is. Can is adept at playing in different midfield positions as well as in central defence when required, giving Guardiola tactical flexibility.
The Germany international is blessed with a great engine, works tirelessly off the ball and packs a powerful punch on his right foot.
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The ex-Bayer Leverkusen man is aggressive, industrious and a committed presence in the middle of the park, although he can be clumsy with his tackles and challenges at times. Nevertheless, Can is a Premier League proven material and could seamlessly slot in Guardiola’s system at City.
Verdict
City have got a replacement for Fernandinho in Rodri and while they have done a smart job by extending Ilkay Gundogan’s contract, they’ll need to add another body in the midfield before Silva leaves next summer.
And Guardiola would be wise to go for Can, who could fulfil his high potential under the charismatic Spanish manager.