Former Juventus midfielder Emre Can has urged his old club to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho who would “help get the Bianconeri back to winning ways” amid speculation linking the Englishman with a move to Serie A.

Can now plays for Borussia Dortmund, who are set to play Juventus in a pre-season friendly in Germany on Sunday. Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the match, however, the midfielder confirmed that he will not play in the match: “Unfortunately I won’t be playing on Sunday but I will be at the stadium and will take the opportunity to catch up with many old friends.”

Dortmund’s Emre Can celebrates after the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund in Sinsheim, Germany, 29 September 2023. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

The former Liverpool player issued a warning to Juventus, however, saying that “When we play at home, there are no friendlies. Summer, Bundesliga or Champions League, good times or bad: our yellow wall always gives you chills and it will be the same on Sunday – it is a unique atmosphere.”

Can’s former Dortmund teammate Jadon Sancho has been linked strongly with a move to the Bianconeri this summer and the German urged the Old Lady to sign the English winger: “He is a combination of technique and speed, he’d help get the Bianconeri back to winning ways.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 01: Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund gestures as he encourages the fans during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Kenan Yildiz is one of Juventus’ brightest prospects currently, with the Bianconeri turning down a reported offer from Premier League side Chelsea for his services this summer. When asked if Yildiz would have made the squad back when he played for Juventus, Can said “Our Juventus was full of champions and outstanding players but Kenan is talented and would have been a part of it. Yildiz is special, he has fantastic shots and it is no coincidence he wears the number ten, a number with significant impact on Juventus’ history.

“Kenan has different characteristics to Dybala but, for Tudor’s team, he is what Paulo was for us. Juventus also have other valuable players but I have a soft spot for Khephren Thuram – a dynamic and physical midfielder, the kind I like.”