There has been a lot of speculation and confusion surrounding the absence of Luis Suarez from Barcelona’s lineup. The Uruguayan striker, who was once a key player for the Spanish giants, is now conspicuously missing from the team sheet.
So, why is Suarez not playing for Barcelona? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this unexpected turn of events.
The Departure
Rumors and controversy:
First and foremost, it’s essential to highlight that Suarez’s departure from Barcelona was not entirely unexpected. There were rumors circulating about his potential exit even before the start of the 2020-2021 season. However, what caught many by surprise was the manner in which it unfolded.
New manager’s decision:
Following Barcelona’s disappointing performance in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, Ronald Koeman took over as the club’s new manager. Koeman had different plans for the team and made it clear that he wanted to revamp the squad. As a result, several players were deemed surplus to requirements, including Suarez.
The Messi Factor
Friendship on and off the field:
A significant factor contributing to Suarez’s departure was his close friendship with Lionel Messi. The two players formed a formidable partnership on the pitch and shared a deep bond off it as well. However, with Messi expressing his desire to leave Barcelona during that same summer transfer window, it seemed like Suarez became collateral damage in an attempt to appease Messi.
Messi as captain:
Additionally, with Messi being named captain after Andres Iniesta’s departure in 2018, he had more influence over club decisions. It is widely believed that Messi played a role in pushing Suarez out of the team, as he was unhappy with the overall direction and management of the club.
The Financial Aspect
Reducing the wage bill:
Another crucial factor behind Suarez’s absence from Barcelona is the financial aspect. The club was facing significant financial constraints, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Offloading high earners became a necessity to reduce the wage bill and make room for new signings. Suarez, being one of the highest-paid players at the club, became a prime candidate for departure.
The Future
New challenges in Atletico Madrid:
Following his departure from Barcelona, Suarez joined Atletico Madrid, a direct rival in La Liga. This move raised eyebrows among football fans and pundits alike.
However, it seems that Suarez is relishing this new challenge and has quickly adapted to life at his new club. He has been in fine form and continues to prove that he still has much to offer as a striker.
Potential reunions:
With Messi’s departure from Barcelona at the end of his contract looming, speculations have emerged about possible reunions between Suarez and Messi at another club. Only time will tell if their paths will cross again in the future.
In Conclusion
In summary, there are several reasons why Luis Suarez is not playing for Barcelona anymore. The decision can be attributed to managerial changes, Messi’s influence over club decisions, financial constraints faced by Barcelona, and Suarez’s desire for a new challenge. While his absence may be unfortunate for Barcelona fans who cherished his contributions to the team over the years, it seems that Suarez has successfully moved on to a new chapter in his football career.