When asked about the possibility of both players ending up in Italy, Bierhoff replied: “For Goretzka there is not much of a chance, perhaps not even 20%. Emre Can, I think he has a lot more, I would say 60-80%.”
Emre Can’s projected move to Juventus at the end of this season has a ’60-80%’ chance of happening, according to Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff.
Liverpool midfielder Can is out of contract at the end of the season after the club failed to agree a new deal with the German international, and he will be free to talk to overseas clubs in January about a summer move.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Italian champions Juventus have long been reported to be interested in Can’s signature, and now Bierhoff has confirmed that there is a good chance the 23-year-old will end up in Turin.
In an interview with Tuttosport, as quoted by the Echo, Bierhoff said: “Can is a number 6 and is physical, his way of playing is perfect for Italy. However, unless Inter Milan returns to the top of Italy, if one of these players had to choose Italy, he would only do it for Juventus.”
Bierhoff was also asked about fellow Germany international Leon Goretzka, who has been linked to an exit from Schalke 04, with Liverpool said to be among several potential destinations.
“In this time England is the top spot for those players and after the Premier there is also the Spanish league as an option. For sure both Emre Can and Goretzka could be successful in Serie A,” he said.
There are two things to take away here for Liverpool fans. Firstly, Can’s projected move to Juventus is looking more and more likely to happen. Many at the club will be cursing the top brass for failing to agree a new contract with the young international, but it now seems all but certain he will leave the club, whether for Juve or someone else. Secondly, Goretzka is unlikely to move to Italy. This means that a move to England, and possibly to Anfield, is more likely. Goretzka, who is a prolific goalscorer from midfield with six strikes from just 12 internationals, is slightly more attack-minded than Can, but if the Reds were to replace one with the other, it wouldn’t be a bad piece of business at all.