Liverpool journalist David Lynch admits he understands why a reunion with Luis Suarez ‘could really appeal’ but has advised against the signing.
A Spanish publication reported this week that Liverpool are considering a sensational move to bring the Uruguayan back to Anfield.
They say that Jurgen Klopp is after another striker who is an experienced and proven goalscorer.
Suarez, now 34, scored 82 goals and assisted 47 in 133 games for Liverpool between 2011 and 2014.
In the 2013/14 season, his 31 goals in 33 appearances so nearly ended the Reds’ wait for a first Premier League title.
He went on to join Barcelona for £75million, staying at the Camp Nou for six years before he was offloaded to rivals Atletico Madrid last summer.
And he’s made his former club pay. He’s the league’s second-highest scorer with 19, behind only Lionel Messi, and he has been instrumental in Atletico’s title charge.
‘Suarez on a free an interesting option for Liverpool’
“He’s obviously well-regarded by Liverpool supporters so the idea of being linked with him will cause a lot of excitement I’m sure,” Lynch said on Friday’s episode of the Blood Red podcast.
“He’s a different end of his career to a lot of the players in this Liverpool squad, but an interesting option and an interesting story.
“There’s a suggestion that his Atletico clause has got a clause that would allow him to leave on a free this summer.
“To get some sort of experienced back-up to Firmino in that number nine position could really appeal.”
Suarez ‘damage’ must be remembered
Would there be wisdom in this deal? Perhaps, if Suarez was to be a plan-B for a year or two. He’s a remarkable goalscorer.
Atletico Madrid have adapted to him this season, rather than the other way around. They’ve realised he’s most effective nowadays when his pressing responsibilities are limited. Clearly, he couldn’t be a first-choice option for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The other question is whether the deal is realistic. Suarez retains love for the Liverpool fans, but the club would probably be reluctant to reopen old wounds.
As Lynch points out, the ‘damage’ Suarez did to the club’s reputation was considerable. Most notably, he was handed an eight-match ban in 2011 after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra.
“Nobody wants to go through the process of having to defend him again,” Lynch said.