Emre Can Joins Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have agreed to the terms of a loan featuring defensive-midfielder Emre Can. The loan, which would become permanent over the summer, strengthens Dortmund’s back-line and defensive-midfield amidst the departure of Julian Weigl.
Emre Can transferred to Juventus from Liverpool in 2018 and has made eight appearances this season. The 26-year-old expressed disappointment in his lack of playing time and hopes to see more consistent action in Dortmund.
As a versatile defensive player who can play multiple positions, Can’s exact role with Dortmund remains unknown. However, Julian Weigl’s recent departure leaves Dortmund shorthanded at the back, and Can could serve as Weigl’s replacement. Alternatively, Can may join Axel Witsel in the midfield. However, Julian Brandt’s recent impact in a similar position may limit Can’s opportunities as a midfielder.
Whether he replaces Weigl or plays alongside Witsel, Can hopes to make an immediate defensive impact as Dortmund hope to make a run for the league title. Can’s arrival in Dortmund marks his first return to the Bundesliga since leaving Bayer Leverkusen in 2014.
Dortmund are just 4 points behind first-place RB Leipzig, but both Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich are ahead of Dortmund in the standings. The addition of Emre Can provides more defensive stability for the Black and Yellow as they’ve had no trouble scoring goals following the acquisition of 19-year-old Erling Haaland.
A 2019 graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Ryan is an aspiring sports writer with a profound passion for the Black and Yellow. On match day, Ryan can likely be seen draped in Dortmund’s colors, perennially pacing the living room of his Ann Arbor apartment. He dreams of one day watching a match from world football’s largest and most impressive standing terrace, The Yellow Wall.
