The wait continues for Emre Can to sign a new deal at Liverpool despite reports having suggested he was set to commit his future to the club by the end of this week.
Those rumours were “premature” according to the Liverpool Echo, although the recent developments have given fans good reason to be confident that the German will remain at Anfield this summer.
Can had previously been subject to interest from 2016/2017 Champions League finalists Juventus amidst apparent stalling negotiations over a new deal with Liverpool. Any doubt seems to have disappeared in recent months, though, with the Reds keen to tie down a player coming off the back of a standout finish to the season.
A disagreement over wages appeared to pose as a stumbling block following the turn of the year yet the club are now seemingly willing to offer the £100,000 a week deal Can feels he deserves. A remarkable revival following a run of lacklustre performances has seen fans come round to the idea of rewarding the 23-year-old with a lucrative contract.
Interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has also justified Can seeking assurances over his future and his place in Klopp’s long-term plans.
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Though the club has every faith the former Bayer Leverkusen will stay put, minds will be put to rest when pen is finally put to paper.
A player few knew what to truly make of in terms of his contributions to the team last season quickly emerged as an influential figure in driving the club to a top four finish, taking on responsibility and thriving in the absence of captain Jordan Henderson.
His displays reminded all of what an asset he can be as the powerful box-to-box and all-action midfielder in Klopp’s preferred setup.
Can is currently preparing for Germany’s game against Australia on Monday in the Confederations Cup, in which his side are also grouped with Chile and Cameroon.
It seems only a matter of time before he signs up for lengthy stay on Merseyside.