Recently, ESPN has stated that Barcelona forward Luis Suarez is on Juventus’ radar this summer. It is understood that the Italian champions are locked in discussions with the Catalan giants over a potential move for the Uruguayan international in this off-season. However, Juve can expect the deal for the Barca striker to be “difficult” to finalise during this summer transfer period (via ESPN).
Suarez’s Glorious Career At Catalonia
Suarez has enjoyed a brilliant career at the Nou Camp since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2014. The Uruguayan international has gone on to feature in 283 matches for Barca, scoring 198 goals and providing 109 assists in all competitions.
The Salto-born attacker maintained his impressive goal-scoring record in the previous campaign as he banged in 21 goals and secured 12 assists in 36 matches as the focal point of the Catalans attacker. However, he ended the season trophyless while pondering about his long-term future at Barcelona.
The 33-year-old showed just how devastating he could be in the final third by averaging 2.9 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. However, Suarez was a bit sloppy when linking up with his teammates in the opposition half as evident from his pass completion rate of 75.1% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Does The Uruguayan Marksman Offer On The Pitch?
Suarez lacks the pace to cover a lot of ground in the attacking third, but can still be a devastating presence inside the opponent’s penalty box due to his knack for finding the back of the net regularly at the highest level. He can net all kinds of goals and has even got the eye to set-up his teammates when they are in a more advantageous position up top.
The 113-time Uruguayan international possesses the strength and the hunger to hold the ball up and get others involved in the offensive end of the pitch. However, at 33, father time is catching up with Suarez, who seems to be inching closer towards the end of his playing career.
Should Ronald Koeman Cash In On Suarez This Summer?
If the reports are accurate about Juventus’ interest in recruiting the South American sensation, then Barca boss Ronald Koeman should consider cashing in on his services as he has got less than a year left in his current contract at the Nou Camp.
At the same time, Suarez won’t be an easy option to replace because of all the attributes he normally brings onto the field as part of the Barcelona frontline. The Catalans will miss his goals and creativity a lot if they decide to part ways with Suarez this summer. Hence, Koeman would be wise to consider keeping the Uruguayan goal-getter at the club for at least another season if he doesn’t receive a convincing transfer fee for the player this summer.
