So Luis Suarez is probably leaving Anfield… So what?
As the summer’s most prolonged transfer saga shows no sign of concluding, it seems inevitable that Reds fans will only know where Luis Suarez’s future lies come midnight on August 31.
Liverpool, quite sensibly, seem determined not to offload the striker to a Premier League side, amid Arsenal’s constant interest. Two bids have now been rejected, but the player has indicated that he would like to talk to the Gunners.
More importantly perhaps, Real Madrid are close to offloading Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli. This will open up a space in their squad they will undoubtedly want to full with someone of true pedigree. As history will tell us, when Real Madrid set their sights on a player, he normally ends up at the Bernabeu.
But don’t fear, Reds fans. Here’s four reasons why the Anfield club will be better off without Luis Suarez.
1) No footballer is irreplaceable…
Anyone remember when Fernando Torres left in 2011? Liverpool received £50m for the sulking Spaniard, who has been a resounding individual failure at Chelsea, despite getting his hands on a few trophies. Liverpool spent most of the money unwisely – on Andy Carroll – but did use a percentage of the fee to buy Luis Suarez himself. The point I’m making here, is that a good footballer is never irreplaceable. David Beckham was replaced with a spotty-faced Cristiano Ronaldo. Thierry Henry was brought in as a long-term Ian Wright replacement. Yes, Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer – but there’s no doubt a handful of equally talented footballers out there have yet to emerge as world-class players. It’s Liverpool’s job to find them, and then worry about which club wants to spend £50m on their latest gem in three years time. In January, the Reds signed Brazilian prodigy Coutinho for just £8m. What do you reckon he’s worth now?
2) The emergence of Daniel Sturridge…
Since his January arrival, Sturridge, has been quietly brilliant for Liverpool. 14 appearances, ten goals, 30 chances created and one hat-trick to cap it off. Liverpool only play with one central striker anyway – so what’s wrong with the club putting their faith in this guy? Behind Wayne Rooney, Sturridge is arguably England’s most talented striker, but being played wide left and right stunted his development at Chelsea. When Suarez was banned at the end of last season for four matches, Sturridge led the line. Liverpool won three. drew won, and scored ten goals. Who needs Luis Suarez…?
3) The £50m war-chest…
So give or take a few pounds, shipping out Suarez will net the Reds close to £50m. Providing we’re sticking with Sturridge up top, this gives Liverpool a major war-chest to strengthen more needy areas of the team. A new centre-back is a must following Jamie Carragher’s retirement, and the rock-solid Kyriakos Papadopolous could come in for around £14m, and play at the heart of defence alongside Daniel Agger for years to come. The rest of the money could be spent on a brilliant attacking threat to complement Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge. If the Reds can snap up Bernard or Christian Eriksen to play off the striker, the team looks like just as much of an attacking threat as it did with Suarez in it. With the England man used a focal point, Coutinho, Sterling, Aspas and a *big-money signing* will create chances for fun!
4) Liverpool will no longer have a player who mortally embarrasses the club…
There’s only so many times Reds fans can forgive someone’s behaviour because of their wonderful footballing ability. Suarez’s tantrums, histrionics, and his diving would see Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley turn in their grave. This is without mentioning the racism and biting incidents that have seen the player banned for an unbelievable total of 18 matches so far for Liverpool… Enough is enough. Suarez out!
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