Emre Can to Manchester United was one of the milder rumours during the January window.
Tuttosport, a Turin newspaper which covers Juventus hugely, couldn’t decide whether Can would accept a move to Old Trafford or not. At various points they claimed he’d turn Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side down because of his Liverpool past, and at other times they suggested it wouldn’t be a problem for the midfielder.
There never appeared to be anything strong, and the same went for Can’s links with other clubs in the Premier League.
Borussia Dortmund then entered the picture and tied up a deal for the Juventus player pretty easily. The move was initially on a loan basis, with an obligation to buy set at around €25m.
Another nice piece of business for Juve, and a deal which suited everyone involved.
Can has now been speaking to Kicker, and was asked why he chose Dortmund despite interest coming from elsewhere. He replied: “I had three Premier League offers alone, including one from Manchester United, but I didn’t think about that for a second because of my Liverpool past.
“I have always had an extreme sympathy for BVB. I wanted to go to a club for which I can be important, where I am needed. That is the case in Dortmund. Borussia is a good fit for me – and vice versa.”
Manchester United’s needs in the winter market were creativity in midfield and an additional striker. It’s hard to believe the club would have gone for Can over Bruno Fernandes, although a loan, without the obligation BVB agreed to, may have been likelier.
