Luis Suárez Transferred From Liverpool To Barcelona In Multi Million Dollar Deal Pending Physical
Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan player known for being kicked out of the 2014 World Cup for biting an Italian defender, has been transferred in a multi million dollar deal with the Spanish club Barcelona FC. Suárez’s current club, Liverpool FC, confirmed the news on Friday.
Despite currently serving FIFA’s four months suspension following the biting incident during the World Cup, Luis Suárez managed to land the lucrative £75 million (approximately $128 million) deal that will bring him to La Liga. The deal for the 27-year-old will be finalized next week, when he travels to Barcelona for a physical.
“Luis is a very special talent and I thank him for the role he has played,” said Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool manager.
Unfortunately for Luis Suárez, his image as one of the best players in the world took a beating after he took a bite off Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder when the teams met in the groups stage. Uruguay won the game eventually and moved on to the round of 16, sans their big striker. The incident was talked about for days, with social media jokes a regular occurrence.
Luis Suarez's appeal against his four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini has been rejected, FIFA has announced. pic.twitter.com/dyqAPI2BY7
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2014
Luis Suárez had four years left in the £22.7 million deal that brought him from Ajax to Liverpool in 2011. The Uruguayan explained that the deal with Barcelona will bring his family closer to his wife’s family in Spain.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family lives, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.”
Suárez is banned from stepping on a football field until October and it remains to be seen how this will affect his debut with his new club. Historically, players who switch leagues have an adjusting period as they get used to their new home. A recent example is Real Madrid Gareth Bale, who made a similar move to that of Suárez last summer and seemed to find his groove towards the end of the season.
When Suárez is ready to play in October, he is expected to wear the #9 jersey, joining powerhouse teammates Lionel Messi (#10) and injured Brazilian star Neymar Jr. (#11). Barcelona will have one of the deadliest, most effective offensive lines in all of football.
Last season, Barca failed to win any of the European international tournaments. They lost the Copa del Rey to Real Madrid and were eliminated from the final in the UEFA Champions League. With the transfer of Luis Suárez to their lineup, the legendary club will aim to correct that.
[Image via Barcelona FC/Twitter]
