Turkish clubs express interest in signing Emre Can

Several major Turkish clubs have expressed interest in Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can, according to local media. Istanbul-based sides, Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, are considering a bid for the German international.

The 31-year-old’s contract does not expire until summer 2026, and Dortmund’s management are reportedly planning a one-year extension to 2027. Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken both highly value the captain’s leadership qualities and intend for him remaining at the club further. Bild also reports that Emre Can has no intentions of leaving Dortmund early.

Can joined the Bundesliga side in 2020 from Juventus, and has made 209 appearances for the club. The captain is especially appreciated for his influence on younger players and for helping to maintain squad morale in the wake of poor results.

He was notably absent from the squad for the first few months of the season, having sustained an abductor injury in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixture against Barcelona last season. After six months he returned at the end of October and rejoined the squad, though his playing time has remained relatively low.

Speaking to BVB TV, Can reflected on his long recovery. He said: “It was never easy mentally, because I thought I was almost there and then would have another setback” and that “It was probably the most difficult period of my life”. He added that going through the recovery process alongside teammates Nico Schlotterbeck and Julien Duranville helped him to remain positive.