Barcelona are trying to revamp their team for this upcoming season, and having already sold experienced veterans Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal, Luis Suarez is the next name on the list.
The club agreed to terminate his contract so he could be free to leave, provided he didn’t join certain teams. Originally, he had his heart set on a move to Juventus, but that didn’t pan out. Then, he decided on Atletico Madrid, and the move was almost complete.
However, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has changed his mind, telling Suarez he can’t join a direct title rival. According to ESPN, they will now demand a fee for the Uruguayan, and he may not be able to join Atletico at all. Suarez is furious, and is now considering holding a press conference to tell his side of the story.
Barcelona Change Their Mind on Luis Suarez Move
Surplus to Requirements
When new manager Ronald Koeman took over, one of the first things he did was tell Suarez that he wasn’t in his plans. The third top scorer in Barcelona history, a treble-winner and Lionel Messi‘s best friend found out his club no longer wanted him in a 60-second phone call.
With Koeman wanting to try Antoine Griezmann out as the main centre-forward, there was no room for Suarez. He could have been used as backup, but he was never going to get the minutes he desired.
The Dutch manager also wants to bring in Memphis Depay, so he clearly he wasn’t counting on the veteran striker for next season. Suarez would certainly have felt disrespected, but he accepted Koeman’s wishes out of his love for Barca. Therefore, he began to negotiate with other clubs.
Negotiations With Top Clubs
The problem is that not many can afford his salary, so it had to be a top club or a rich one overseas. He’s definitely too good to play in the MLS or China just yet, so he showed interest in Juventus. Likewise, Andrea Pirlo also showed interest in him.
However, complications with Suarez’s ability to obtain an Italian passport held up the deal. The Old Lady have already filled their non-EU player quota, so since Suarez couldn’t get citizenship, the deal was off.
Then, he arrived at Atletico. With Alvaro Morata rejoining Juventus, a striker role is open. Suarez wanted to be that guy, and Diego Simeone also would love him in his team.
The free transfer was all-but complete before Bartomeu stepped in and said no. Now, it remains to be seen whether or not Atletico will be willing to pay a fee, or whether Suarez will be the second high-profile attacker of the summer who has had his exit blocked by Barcelona.
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