Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez has joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, leaving Barcelona after six years with the Catalan giants.
The 33-year-old’s future has received plenty of media attention in recent weeks, with Juventus previously touted as his most likely destination. Suarez was even thought to have agreed personal terms with the Serie A champions.
His contract with Barcelona was due to run until the summer of 2021 but, having now terminated that deal, La Liga rivals Atleti have been able to officially announce the Uruguay international’s arrival.
Suarez will join Atleti with Alvaro Morata set for a return to Juventus, despite the former Chelsea striker’s loan move to Wanda Metropolitano only being made permanent in July this year.
The former Ajax man arrived at Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2014 for a fee of £65m and went on to score 198 goals in all competitions for the Blaugrana. He enjoyed some incredible highs in the red and blue, particularly during his second season at the club when he bagged a stunning 40 goals in 35 La Liga appearances, ending the campaign as the division’s highest scorer.
Suarez was also voted La Liga’s World Player of the Year for his efforts in the 2015/16 campaign, helping his side lift the domestic title, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa all in one year.
However, the ex-Red has struggled with fitness issues over the past 12 months and has subsequently found himself out of the picture at Barça, with coach Ronald Koeman deeming him surplus to requirements.
The Catalan giants are desperate to cut their wage bill, so much so that they were prepared to allow their prolific goalscorer to leave the club for nothing rather than holding out for a considerable fee.
The Uruguayan’s exit may make way for a major replacement to fill his boots in the side, although Barcelona are relying on any money made from the high-profile departure of club legend Lionel Messi to increase their transfer kitty.