Earlier it was reported that Luis Suarez was about to leave Barcelona for free as he was frozen out of plans by Koeman and the Barcelona board. Suarez was sold to Barcelona’s direct rival in La Liga, Atletico Madrid, where he has been in red hot form since the beginning of the season.
Now a recent report in Sport has come up, which states that the transfer of Suarez was not a free transfer and it did involve monetary transactions. Atletico Madrid were required to pay €5m upfront and another €6m is based on various performance related pays.
The three variables on which €6m depends are:
- €2m if Suarez plays 20 games for Atletico Madrid. Barcelona has already got this amount.
- €2m if Atletico Madrid reaches to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Simeone’s men faces Chelsea in the Round of 16 so if they win, Barcelona will get this amount.
- The €2m is based on Suarez’s performances next season.
Luis Suarez wanted this transfer to happen for free as he was hurt by Barcelona’s decision to freeze him out of the squad. So the transfer fee was not disclosed earlier.
The Uruguayan striker has scored 16 goals in 19 games and is one goal ahead of his close friend and former team-mate Lionel Messi. Barcelona are definitely regretting their decision to let Suarez leave.
Atletico Madrid are currently at the top of the La Liga table, six points ahead of their city rivals Real Madrid and more importantly they have a game in hand. This could well be Atletico Madrid’s season and break the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona on the La Liga title.
