No more time to hide away from the inevitable, Luis Suarez’ agent has held talks with Liverpool and the message is clear.
Suarez wants to leave.
The Uruguayan international is still on his summer break after helping his country reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. But when Suarez returns to Anfield later this month, it seems unlikely he will stick around for long.
Suarez’ agent Pere Guardiola — brother of Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola — has been on Merseyside for several amicable meetings and the conclusion doesn’t seem to be what Liverpool wanted. Suarez’ stance is that he wants Champions League football and doesn’t believe he will get that with the Reds.
And it is hard for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to come back with a valid response. Of course Suarez being banned for the first six games of the 2013-14 EPL season doesn’t help matters, despite the Anfield club standing by his side as many called for a public flogging of the striker after he bit Branislav Ivanovic’s arm last April.
Suarez has had plenty of support from Liverpool. But he doesn’t seem likely to stick around. He has used the Confederations Cup in Brazil to vent his anger and disgust at the way the English media and opposition fans have treated him. Suarez is disenchanted with life in England and a move to Spain seems most likely. 51 goals in 96 games for Liverpool has seen plenty of suitors line up already.
MORE: Arsenal make huge offer for Suarez, Liverpool flat out reject it
Arsenal even put in a cheeky $45 million bid earlier this week. That was instantly rejected, and let’s be honest, Liverpool don’t want to sell him to another English club and Suarez has already stated his intention to move away from the EPL. So quite what Arsene Wenger was thinking is beyond me… Anyway.
But Liverpool are digging their heels in. However an offer of $75 million will twist their arm (problem not the best pun to use after Suarez’ antics…) into selling Suarez. But even Real Madrid and Barcelona won’t come up with that kind of cash for him. They know he wants out and will be willing to sit tight right up until the transfer deadline on August 31, to grab a bargain.
Don’t be surprised if this plays out all the way until then folks. That is a real option because he will not be able to play for Liverpool until September when his ban is lifted. So he can stick around and weigh up his best options.
If Liverpool may a great start to the season, can he forgive the English public and stay in the EPL to lead Liverpool towards Champions League qualification?
MORE: Friday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup, Suarez to Chelsea?
That could be a smart option. But with Suarez adamant that his future lies away from Liverpool, and England for that matter, the Reds will look to reluctantly sell him to a club on the European continent.
After his agents comments today, Suarez’ future at Anfield looks to be done and dusted. But when it comes to the Uruguayan ace, how can you ever be sure about anything?
One thing I do know, Liverpool should get rid of him to the highest bidder. Now.
