Juventus bolsters midfield by signing Emre Can on free transfer

After months of reports suggesting Juventus was leading the race for Emre Can's signature, the Serie A side finally got the deal over the line on Thursday, confirming that the powerful midfielder has joined the club on a free transfer from Liverpool.

The tough-tackling German, who missed out on the World Cup squad after a back injury sidelined him for the latter stages of the club season, signed a four-year contract with the Bianconeri.

He will join the club officially on July 1, after his contract with the Reds expires.

Can, 24, became surplus to requirements at Anfield after the high-priced signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho, but with the reigning Italian champion, he figures to be a significant part of Massimiliano Allegri's midfield.

The box-to-box presence made more tackles (67) than any Liverpool player last season - despite missing a significant chunk of the campaign - and will add some mobility and bite to a Juventus midfield that was lacking in those areas this past season.