Liverpool legend John Barnes has stated that Liverpool should not be held hostage by Emre Can, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Can is currently into the final year of his contract and looks unlikely to sign a new deal as things stand. This means the German will be eligible to sign a pre contract deal with various European teams in January according to the Bosman ruling.
As a result, Liverpool currently are in a bit of dilemma to whether to offer a new mega deal to Can or to cash in on the talented midfielder this winter.
While many believe that getting the player to sign a extension is of paramount importance, Liverpool legend John Barnes shares a different opinion saying the club should not be held ransom by the young man.
Barnes told Express Sport regarding Can’s contractual situation, “It’s up to Emre Can [not signing a new deal]. It’s all very well saying, ‘Give him what he wants to stay or he’s going to go to Real Madrid, Barcelona.’
“But that’s not going to happen. They don’t want Emre Can. People were saying Emre was not a particularly good player and now all of a sudden he’s Pele!
“Once upon a time Emre Can was not particularly liked at Liverpool so why now all of a sudden are we saying, ‘Oh we have to keep Emre Can?’
“We want players to stay who want to stay at Liverpool. Obviously if he decides to leave I don’t think that Emre Can would necessarily find a better club than Liverpool.
“It’s not as if they will be losing one of the most important players if he decides not to re-sign his contract.
“Liverpool cannot be held to ransom by a player because they feel they deserve whatever money they want.”
