Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Are at Point of No Return in Luis Suarez Saga

The stage has been set for the final act in the Luis Suarez drama, and the lead actor appears headed for his final curtain call at Anfield.

Suarez has done everything in his power to leave Liverpool, short of handing in an official transfer request. With Arsenal knocking on the door with a hefty £40,000,0001 bid, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror, it’s only a matter of time before they get their man.

As Cross reported, Liverpool are demanding an increased bid of £50 million for Suarez. While that may seem reasonable given his tremendous talent, there’s little chance the Reds are going to see that kind of return for the striker. The leverage simply isn’t there.

Liverpool and manager Brendan Rodgers have reached the point of no return in the Suarez saga. He wants out, Arsenal want him, and there isn’t anything keeping the switch from happening apart from a £10 million gap in expectations.

What options do Liverpool have?

The Reds could certainly holdout for the full £50 million, but Suarez is becoming nothing more than a major distraction at this point in the process. And, as quoted by Alex Hankin of the Daily Mirror, Rodgers seems to think Liverpool and their supporters deserve more from the embattled striker:

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There's nothing new to report. He's very much a Liverpool player and over the course of the next couple of weeks we've got to get him up to speed. The support he has received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled. In this period of time he's missed a lot of games for the club through various reasons. The people have stood by him, like a son and really looked after him. Whatever happens in the coming weeks that will be in his mind because it's something you can never forget.  

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At this point, the selling points for keeping Suarez are diminishing considerably. His on-field drama is matched only by his unrest off the pitch, as highlighted by his comments regarding the English media and his discomfort in playing in England, quoted by The Guardian:

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Ever since I arrived I have felt bad, they [the media] have never judged me for my play but with the attitude that he dives, protests, makes gestures, racism … everything. They have never spoken well of me. For that reason, when I was told I could win the Player of the Year award, I said: 'I will not get excited as I know that I will never win an important award in England.

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With their £40,000,0001 bid, Arsenal have triggered Suarez’s contract clause, meaning Liverpool were forced to inform the striker of the Gunners’ offer of £150,000 per-week salary for the 26-year-old. If all else goes according to plan, Arsene Wenger will have an opportunity to personally convince Suarez to want to play at the Emirates.

All signs point to Suarez making his Anfield exit. Should he remain with Liverpool beyond the summer transfer period, he’ll be nothing more than a distraction as the club waits for the other shoe to drop.

The Reds shouldn’t be forced to accept less than top dollar for Suarez, but they have few options at this point. Even if Arsenal aren’t willing to meet the £50 million price and Suarez remains with the club, it will take a massive turnaround to quell the doubt surrounding his future at Anfield and the resentment he’s sure to stir up following the drama.

It may not be ideal, but it’s the only option. Liverpool have reached the point of no return, and they need to take what they can get for Suarez while a club is still willing to pay the price.