We take a look at six possible alternatives from the Premier League to Luis Suarez for La Liga giants Barcelona.
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Liverpool fans’ worst summer nightmare appears to be coming closer to being a reality, with reports today suggesting that La Liga giants Barcelona are closing in on a £100 million deal for the Reds’ irrepressible Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez.
With such eye-watering figures being bandied about by the press, however, it is clear that any move for Suarez would leave a huge dent in the pockets of a club who are expected to want to rebuild significant parts of the Camp Nou squad this summer.
With this in mind we’ve taken a look at the possible alternatives to Suarez, also plying their trade in the English Premier League, who could be a success for Luis Enrique whilst not quite burning such a vast hole in Barca’s pockets.
1) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
One possible alternative to Suarez may also be within the walls of Anfield, with his strike partner Daniel Sturridge also having caught the eye with his stunning performances in Liverpool’s 2013/14 Premier League campaign.
Sturridge is nowhere near the complete player that Suarez is, but his potential could lead to the England international becoming one of the finest forwards in the world, whilst his pace and skill should fit in with a sharp Barcelona team.
Signing Sturridge would represent a surprising move for Barcelona but, considering he would come cheaper than Suarez and has more time to improve, it should be something that Luis Enrique gives at least a little bit of thought to.
2) Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
He may be something of a laughing stock in England on account of his dismal spell at Chelsea, but former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool forward Fernando Torres’ stock remains high in his native Spain.
Chelses are likely to be happy to get Torres off the wage bill this summer and, with a move to his boyhood club’s bitter rivals Real Madrid surely out of the question, Atletico, Barcelona and Valencia are likely to be the most probable options for Torres.
If Luis Enrique can help him to refind the form that persuaded the Blues to splash out such a significant sum on his services in the first place then he could prove to be a bargain.
3) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Manchester United star Wayne Rooney recently signed a bumper new deal at Old Trafford, but that does not mean that his future is certain to lie with the Red Devils.
New manager Louis van Gaal is known to be a big fan of Robin van Persie, his captain for the Holland national team, meaning that Rooney could find himself marginalised or out of position if van Gaal chooses to play with one centre forward.
A move abroad may also reinvigorate Rooney’s career, but the double outlay on transfer fee and wages may mean that he turns out to be almost as expensive as the Uruguayan.
4) Loic Remy (Queens Park Rangers)
Queens Park Rangers forward Loic Remy has already been linked with a move to Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, but he would represent a value buy in attack for a team like Barcelona.
Remy has enjoyed a fine spell in the Premier League since arriving at Lofus Road, despite the fact that his goals weren’t enough to keep Rangers up in the 2012/13 season, he moved to Newcastle United on a season long loan and impressed with his pace, power and finishing ability.
5) Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur)
Spanish forward Roberto Soldado’s year at Tottenham Hotspur has been nothing short of a disaster, with the big money signing from Valencia having spectacularly failed to hit the ground running in the English Premier League.
Spurs are likely to give Soldado another chance to impress under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, but could decide to cut their losses if a bid comes in from La Liga, a league in which Soldado well and truly proved himself at Valencia.
It seems that Soldado guarantees goals in Spain and, if Barcelona are looking for a forward who can find the back of the net on a regular basis in La Liga, Soldado could well fit the bill.
6) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero is perhaps the second finest Premier League player in his position, after Suarez, and also has La Liga experience having earned his stripes whilst at Atletico Madrid.
Augero would be a costly acquisition for Barcelona but also has age on his side, meaning that he is likely to improve and grow into a role at the Nou Camp, whilst he is a sleek enough footballer to fit into Barcelona’s system of quick, passing football.
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