Scot urges Reds to offload attacker, and fast.
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Former Liverpool captain and head coach Graeme Souness says that the Reds are fast approaching the point of no return in their ongoing transfer saga with wantaway front man Luis Suarez, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The controversial Uruguay international is currently the subject of a club-record bid from Premier League rivals Arsenal reportedly worth a whopping £40 million plus £1.
And it is believed that that offer was enough to trigger a release clause in the striker’s present contract at Anfield, that runs until June 30 2018, allowing Suarez to enter into talks with the north London club over a possible summer move to the Emirates.
The Merseyside giants, however, do not share the same view and are so far steadfastly refusing to let their star man, who has registered an impressive 51 goals and 24 assists in just 96 matches for the club since January 2011, join the Gunners next season.
However, Souness feels that this is a highly dangerous approach being taken by his former club, especially as they may either be left with a disgruntled player on their hands next season, or if they do decide to sell, then they may not have enough time left this summer to bring in a suitable replacement either.
“He’s fast approaching the time when there isn’t a way back,” Souness told Sky Sports.
“If he decides to dig his heels in, and Liverpool decide to dig their heels in, you’re sitting there with a player who was their best player along with Steven Gerrard, but for Liverpool to go without his goals next year and not have the money to spend, they will suffer big time.
“I think there are certain clubs that could dig their heels in and say OK he’s worth £50m today if we hold on to him and he’s not playing we’ll get £20m-£25m next summer. Other than Man City, Chelsea, others have to look at their balance sheet and look at budgets and make it work. Outside of those two they have to do that. Everyone has to make it work financially.
“Liverpool cannot afford to sit and not take the money. It happened in the past with Torres.
“There’s a premium to be paid when you go and buy someone [in that situation]. They could find themselves in the same situation again with Suarez’s money. A week before it closes, you’ve got this money. Wherever you go, who ever’s door you knock, you’re going to get stuck with a big fee.”