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Transfers
Liverpool: Midfield general set for new deal; Coutinho speaks out; Future for outcast striker
Despite the fact that the European Championships are soon to begin, the excitement surrounding transfers shows no signs of slowing down. Of all the Premier League clubs, Liverpool have the most players represented in France over the next month, and while this is testament to the quality of the squad in some regards, it does add a degree of difficulty to Jurgen Klopp’s summer tasks.
One of these players is Emre Can, and with the former Borussia Dortmund manager as his German compatriot, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was always likely to feel the full effect of Klopp’s arrival sooner than the rest of the squad. This certainly seemed to hold true, and after being shown faith by the manager, proceeded to make the holding midfield berth his own. As a reflection of Can’s importance to the side, to replace the current four-year contract which he is half-way through.
After a season of mixed fortunes on a personal note in 2014/15 – where Emre Can’s versatility was arguably his downfall as Brendan Rodgers deployed him in a back three – the German played almost exclusively in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield during the most recent campaign. The number 23’s willingness to fill in anywhere across the pitch – applying himself superbly regardless of where this was – certainly endeared him to the Anfield faithful, and this has helped his development at the club.
Still only 22 years of age, Emre Can will of course make mistakes from time to time, but the crowd have not got on his back, instead only roaring him on to new heights, for they are well aware of the exceptional natural talent that the German possesses. His physical stature and superb running power are perfect for the combative midfield role which he has made his own since taking over from the long-serving Lucas Leiva, but Can’s skill on the ball is also right up there with the best at the club.
Neat drag-backs, flicks to escape tight situations, and a wide range of passing are only some of the traits which are combining to rapidly make him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. It would be a wise move for Liverpool to secure his long-term future this summer, as if his growth continues at such a rapid rate, interest from the giants of European football will not be far away. The Reds wish to avoid a scenario similar to previous summers where they have been embroiled in transfer sagas surrounding Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, and most recently, Philippe Coutinho.
in Liverpool’s number 10 has been well documented over the last week or so, with after the Brazilian’s international team-mate Dani Alves suggested that the diminutive midfielder was good enough to play for the Catalan club. Until recently; with Coutinho away at the Copa America and recently starring by netting a hat-trick in a 7-1 thrashing of Haiti, there has been a deafening silence from the man himself about the issue. However, the former Inter Milan youngster has finally , by saying:
“As far as I know, there’s no offer. I’m here with the national team, and this subject is for my representatives.
“More important for me is to be here, focused on the national team and having a good tournament. That’s where my head is at.”
While this is somewhat encouraging for Liverpool fans, desperate for the Brazilian wizard to not leave Anfield just when he is starting to really come into his own, it is still not a resounding “I am staying” that many would have hoped for. Playing down the speculation is certainly a starting point, and it is pleasing to hear that we should be able to observe Coutinho at his focused best this summer.
Even in his relatively short tenure at Liverpool so far, Jurgen Klopp has seen at first hand on many occasions just what Philippe Coutinho can produce – game-changing moments, wondrous pieces of skill, thunderous goals from distance to name but a few. With his 24th birthday on 12th June, Coutinho is understandably approaching a period of his career where he wants to be playing Champions League football and competing for trophies. Rather refreshingly, it is these on-field matters which may play more of a role than simply financial reward, so Klopp may have a difficult task on his hands persuading the Brazilian to give Liverpool a chance and stick it out on Merseyside.
Now very much a forgotten man at Anfield, Mario Balotelli’s loan spell at AC Milan is coming to an end and it is Such has been his poor showing for the Rossoneri in 2015/16; only managing to hit the back of the net on three occasions during 23 appearances, that outgoing national coach Antonio Conte has not selected him for Italy’s Euro 2016 squad, so only a pre-season with Liverpool awaits him in July should another club not be found before then.
Despite the recall, there are several reasons why you would imagine that the enigmatic Italian’s time at Anfield is limited to say the least. In May, he rather with the Anfield outfit, telling Mediaset Premium that:
“I want to stay at Milan. I do not want to return to Liverpool.”
“I was never happy at Liverpool. Plus Milan have the money.”
It would seem that the feeling is mutual, to be honest Mario, after a lacklustre opening campaign in a Red shirt when he infuriated supporters with a distinct lack of effort and an apparent inability to find the back of the net. Furthermore, Liverpool hardly have a shortage of strikers at the club at the moment, with the trio of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings fighting it out to be first choice, out-of-favour Christian Benteke still with something to offer, and Roberto Firmino clearly an option through the middle under Klopp.
All in all, Balotelli moving on to pastures new would be better for all concerned, and without the distraction of being involved in Euro 2016, it is probable that his agent; Mina Raiola, will find a suitor in the coming weeks and months, signalling the end of Brendan Rodgers’ failed Balotelli experiment.
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