Juventus set deadline for Emre Can to end “soap opera” over summer move

Juventus are growing frustrated with Emre Can‘s lack of commitment over a proposed summer move, setting the Liverpool midfielder a deadline.

The German is currently sidelined with a back injury, amid concerns he may have played his last game for the Reds as his contract runs down.

Can will be free to leave on July 1, but so far has given little indication as to where he will play his football next season, including the possibility of an extended stay at Anfield.

Juventus are among the 24-year-old’s suitors, joining Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich among others, and are widely believed to be his most likely destination if he does opt to depart Merseyside.

But Giuseppe Marotta, CEO of the Serie A club, has continually stressed how Can is yet to decide on a move to Turin, now setting him a rapidly approaching deadline.

“I am asking myself what the situation is too,” he is reported to have told Sport Mediaset.

“We want the soap opera to conclude in around 10 days.

“The player is right to evaluate all opportunities, so we’ll wait and see what he wants to do.”

Jurgen Klopp has taken an optimistic, open approach to Can’s prospects, and his absence during a crucial period of the season is a bitter blow.

He has not featured since the 5-0 win away to Watford last month, with Liverpool pushing for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League and second place in the Premier League.

It would be reasonable to suggest that, given their progress under Klopp, Can would be best placed to remain with the Reds and further his development.

But his situation is rare, with Can’s ambition seemingly to broaden his horizons elsewhere, and while he was touted as the next Steven Gerrard after joining his stay is unlikely to be career-long.

Nevertheless, with Juventus still not confident of securing his signature, the hope is that Klopp is able to convince his compatriot to extend his contract with the club.

And with his primary suitors expecting an answer by the middle of the month, his intentions could become clearer in the very near future.