Rafa Benitez’ chances of bringing Ajax star Luis Suarez to Liverpool this summer are decreasing with the news that Manchester United and Barcelona are stepping up their interest. The Uruguayan international has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting that he will have his pick of three of the biggest clubs in European football at the end of the season.
Suarez tops the Dutch scoring charts with 26 goals in 25 league appearances (all starts), so it’s unsurprising he is attracting so much attention. Liverpool will need to offload Ryan Babel to raise funds which could be their downfall with Barcelona and Manchester United ready to pounce for the creative South American.
Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past four seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. This campaign has been his most prolific already scoring 4 more league goals than his previous highest tally. This doesn’t include a sensational 6-goal haul in Ajax’ 14-1 domestic cup win over WHC in December. Last season he scored 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts) as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League. This season Martin Jol’s team sit 3rd, seven points behind leaders PSV.
Ajax’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, “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.”
Ajax may miss out again so Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona may be the teams to provide the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required although Rafa Benitez’ team are facing a battle to clinch 4th spot. The player’s versatility is of interest to Sir Alex Ferguson and Josep Guardiola as he can fill a number of positions. He would provide competition on the flanks for the likes of Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs or could partner or compete with Wayne Rooney up front.
Ajax may be 3rd in the Dutch top division, but there’s no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 26 league goals, nine goals more than his nearest competitor. Only six of those strikes have arrived via the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 6 goals in the Europa League with 4 coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored three goals in his last seven international appearances.
The 23-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. He has been monitored by Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson for a number of seasons but he has really caught their attention since he moved to Amsterdam. The fact Ajax were dumped out of the Europa League by Juventus has only increased speculation he will be leaving in the summer for either Anfield, Old Trafford or the Camp Nou.
Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 65 goals in just 89 league appearances (84 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona stepping up their interest, this may well be his last season in Holland.
The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 28 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 25 yellow cards he has received in 4 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. Liverpool or Manchester United fans will certainly enjoy his talents if he does finally join one of them. Ajax have opened the door to a move with comments made in the press during the last transfer window.
“It’s up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we’re ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in,” club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.
“We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”
Ryan Babel has failed to make a big impression on Merseyside but is still highly regarded in Amsterdam and his homeland which suggests he may well be a make-weight in any deal struck with Liverpool. However, Manchester United will be strengthening their squad this summer with Suarez high on Sir Alex’s hit-list.
Suarez tops the Dutch scoring charts with 26 goals in 25 league appearances (all starts), so it’s unsurprising he is attracting so much attention. Liverpool will need to offload Ryan Babel to raise funds which could be their downfall with Barcelona and Manchester United ready to pounce for the creative South American.
Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past four seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. This campaign has been his most prolific already scoring 4 more league goals than his previous highest tally. This doesn’t include a sensational 6-goal haul in Ajax’ 14-1 domestic cup win over WHC in December. Last season he scored 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts) as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League. This season Martin Jol’s team sit 3rd, seven points behind leaders PSV.
Ajax’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, “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.”
Ajax may miss out again so Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona may be the teams to provide the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required although Rafa Benitez’ team are facing a battle to clinch 4th spot. The player’s versatility is of interest to Sir Alex Ferguson and Josep Guardiola as he can fill a number of positions. He would provide competition on the flanks for the likes of Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs or could partner or compete with Wayne Rooney up front.
Ajax may be 3rd in the Dutch top division, but there’s no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 26 league goals, nine goals more than his nearest competitor. Only six of those strikes have arrived via the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 6 goals in the Europa League with 4 coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored three goals in his last seven international appearances.
The 23-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. He has been monitored by Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson for a number of seasons but he has really caught their attention since he moved to Amsterdam. The fact Ajax were dumped out of the Europa League by Juventus has only increased speculation he will be leaving in the summer for either Anfield, Old Trafford or the Camp Nou.
Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 65 goals in just 89 league appearances (84 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona stepping up their interest, this may well be his last season in Holland.
The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 28 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 25 yellow cards he has received in 4 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. Liverpool or Manchester United fans will certainly enjoy his talents if he does finally join one of them. Ajax have opened the door to a move with comments made in the press during the last transfer window.
“It’s up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we’re ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in,” club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.
“We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”
Ryan Babel has failed to make a big impression on Merseyside but is still highly regarded in Amsterdam and his homeland which suggests he may well be a make-weight in any deal struck with Liverpool. However, Manchester United will be strengthening their squad this summer with Suarez high on Sir Alex’s hit-list.
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