Should Luis Stay or Should He Go Now?

Luis Suarez is one of the most divisive football players in the world. Speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool has been rife for 18months, his off-the-ball antics and immense talent pulling potential buyers in and pushing them away in equal measures. Last summer’s transfer window saw Liverpool approached by many clubs, even offers made for the Uruguayan, yet he remained at Anfield and was a crucial part of Liverpool’s resurgence. So far, this summer has been no different, with some of the biggest powers in world football weighing up offers for the club’s prized asset. In light of the renewed interest in Suarez, and the astronomical offers being considered, should Liverpool hang onto him, or is it time to let him leave?

The main parties interested in Luis Suarez appear to be Spanish giants, and rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona.  The positives and negatives for Suarez personally are already being discussed by media outlets, and will undoubtedly play a large part in the eventual decision he makes, but what offer would be best for the club to accept should he decide to leave rather than continue in the premier league?

First off, Spanish colossus Real Madrid. Known for spending world record amounts in order to amass a collection of impressive talents, the potential arrival of Suarez would add to the already impressive roster of Galácticos at Real Madrid, one which already contains the attacking powers of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Ángel di Maria to name but a few. The second string of Galácticos at Madrid have set the club back almost €500million (yes, you did read that right) so for Liverpool, it seems financially prudent to pursue a financial deal with them. Prices upwards of €70millionhave been touted since the rumour mill has reactivated, along with alternative deals featuring French forward Karim Benzema.

Secondly, Catalan giants Barcelona. Personally, I have always loved watching the tiki-taka football that has made Barcelona one of the most watched and admired sides in modern football, and aside from pulling on the red of Liverpool, and that of my country, the stripes of Barcelona would be the shirt I would most like to wear. Not that my opinions on this will at all weigh on Suarez’s mind. The wealth of talent on show at the Nou Camp is immense; where Madrid boast the Galácticos, Barcelona have nurtured some of the world’s greatest talents: Lionel Messi, Xaví Hernadez, and Andres Iniesta are just the tip of a talented ice-berg. Suarez would fit right in with Barcelona, his talent equalling many within the existing side, however, with the attacking talent they currently have on display, will he be surplus to requirements? It has been suggested that there may be a mini-exodus from Barca this summer, with both Chilean star Alexis Sanchez and Spanish euro-winner Pedro Rodriguez rumoured to be part of a proposed deal to see Luis Suarez join Barcelona’s ranks.

If all these rumours are to be believed, and it is a straight fight between Madrid and Barca for Suarez, what deal would be most beneficial for us? Suarez signed a new long-term deal this season, which suggested he might be committed to his future; the more cynical amongst us suggesting the club was only reinforcing his contract to get the most from a move for the striker. Buy-out clauses and stipulations within contracts are always used to determine the valuation of a player, and it is no different for Suarez, who it is believed has a buy-out option of around £100million. This figure is by no means verified, and has been suggested that if a team from outside the premier-league were to make an offer, it would be lower, but if it were true, a move could see him become the most expensive player in the world. Replacing a talent like Suarez is the dilemma on most people’s lips, but a fee of this magnitude would go a long way, even in today’s football world.

Offers for players-plus-cash have always baffled me somewhat, and I am always sceptical as to whether you get more or less than a purely monetary deal. This said, some of the deals that are being suggested for Suarez seem to include viable options for a replacement. Karim Benzema is a successful forward who has been the focal point of the French and Madrid attack for many years. His power and ability is substantial, and he would be a great asset to the Liverpool squad, however, I worry that if Real Madrid are willing to sign a replacement striker and offer him as part of a deal, is he a good enough replacement in our attacking line? I do not carry this worry to the offers that Barcelona are rumoured to have made. Alexis Sanchez is a dynamic winger/striker and has voiced discontent at not being a starter for the Catalan club; a similar situation for the forward Pedro Rodriguez. Playing second fiddle to the likes of Messi and Neymar is somewhat inevitable if you occupy similar positions, which Pedro and Sanchez do, so a player, or players, who have a strong desire to play might strengthen the squad.

Regardless of what I, or other fans, may want, the ultimate decision falls to the club’s executives and Suarez himself. It has always been suggested that Suarez prefers a move to Madrid out of the two; I would imagine the allure of being a galáctico, and being a part of such a talented team is hard to refuse. That said, his wife’s family is believed to reside in the same Catalunya area that Luis Enrique, the new Barcelona manager, lives, and his agent is the brother of Barca legend Pep Guardiola, both which hint at a connection that would be hard to deny.

Although both offers would be lucrative for player and club, Luis Suarez is adored at Liverpool, and his young family have settled, his daughter having started school within the city, which may influence his decision. The resurgent football at Anfield allowed him to play an integral part in a premier league title race, and guarantees champions league football if he were to stay. Aside from this, the club has stuck by him throughout the Evra controversy and the biting incident, a loyalty which Suarez could repay by dedicating himself to the club going forward.

I would really hate to see the club lose another great to Real Madrid, but I would understand if he followed the likes of Xabi Alonso and Michael Owen. Not that it would make it much easier to lose Luis to Barcelona. The money that Liverpool would receive if a deal went through would certainly soften the blow of losing such an integral player, but softening the blow would be all that it did. Despite the biting, the playacting, the racial incident, and all the international controversy that has followed Suarez, his presence, his goal scoring record, and his ability would be missed hugely at Anfield.

I, for one, would love him to stay. But, after his most recent biting incident at the World Cup, the question is – will anyone still be interested?