Luis Suarez: £15M South American Scoring Sensation Chased by Liverpool, Manchester United & AC Milan
Liverpool have been joined in the chase for one of European football’s brightest attacking talents, the Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez by fierce rivals Manchester United. However, the two English giants will also face competition from the likes of AC Milan and Fiorentina this summer. The talented frontman finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts for his club Ajax and is one of the few plus points in a disappointing season for the Amsterdam giants.
Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. However, last season has been his best so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals have come via the penalty spot. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind leaders AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they will not qualify for the Champions League next season but will take part in the Europa League.
Ajax’s failure to qualify has led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek, “It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It’s up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion.”
“I’m extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.
“Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level.”
Liverpool may well be the club that provides the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player’s versatility would also interest the Spaniard who is looking to strengthen his squad significantly this summer and Suarez’s comments suggest he may well be eyeing a move away from the Amsterdam Arena. However, Manchester United are also on the lookout for creative players with Cristiano Ronaldo set to depart to Madrid and Suarez can occupy forward or wide roles similar to that of the Portuguese star.
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The 22-year-old began his career in his homeland with club Nacional where he won a Uruguayan title before moving to Groningen in the summer of 2006 for €800,000. In his only season for the club he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances (26 starts) before Ajax made their move for a fee of €9.5M.
Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 39 goals in just 64 league appearances (59 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Milan and Manchester United interested this may well be his last season in Holland.
The Uruguayan with 7 goals in 21 appearances for his country won’t come cheap and does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 20 yellow cards he has received in 3 seasons in Holland. He was also sent-off on his international debut against Colombia in February 2007. However, for what he lacks in discipline, he certainly makes up for in talent. Not only does he score goals but he is also very creative and could provide Liverpool or indeed United with the necessary ammunition to push on next season.
Do you like the look of Luis Suarez? Would he be a good acquisition for Liverpool or United this summer? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: AC Milan, Ajax, Fiorentina, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Manchester United, Uruguay
June 18th, 2009 at 11:21
Looks good. But the Premier league is a different class and the question is whether he can cope with defenders
June 18th, 2009 at 11:22
Looks good. But the Premier league is a different class and the question is whether he can cope with its defenders
June 18th, 2009 at 12:12
I can guarantee that whoever buys him will not be dissapointed. One of the greatest talents coming out of Uruguay in a while. If he doesn’t score a goal he will assist them.
June 18th, 2009 at 12:13
That’s the usual formula for 2nd tier when you are top heavy with contracts. I don’t think you could say that at this moment. Also you can’t just wish away Priddis and Fepuleai’s contracts.
Are you shifting Smith to the right? There’s no one else in the starting lineup that defend on the right.
Linnett is more of a chance to play backrow than Vickery.
You have also replaced Paea twice with Edwards and “or preferably another 22yrold like a Paea proposition” in the top 25. Might need another outside back …
June 18th, 2009 at 12:16
If that’s how the top 25 ends up, I’d say the Sydney market is biting into what Bennett wants to do. That squad is weaker than this year’s at the start of the year and we should be improving the squad. You would be relying on 19 or 20 players to do the job early in the year …
He wouldn’t have that many under 20s and 2nd tier players coming into the squad without some external players. When Bennett brought in young players to the Broncos, he brought in the best of the best from Qld. Henry would the the only one that would qualify, maybe Merrin based on improvement.
Most of the state/national-level players are younger, e.g. Hancock, who as another year of eligibility and it would be good to see how he goes minus Merrin. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them goes, Poore leaving helps but someone will throw money at them. There’s already more intrigue in the under 20s squad for next year than there ever was with first grade.
Paea should be re-signed unless he has other plans.