Ronald Koeman is walking into a mess of a club at Barcelona.They lost out to Real Madrid in La Liga and their 2019/20 season ended in humiliation with an 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.Quique Setien was sacked almost immediately while reports emerged suggesting that Lionel Messi wants to leave.In fact, but for a few players, it seems the entire Barca squad are up for sale.Koeman needs to get to work. And fast.And it seems he’s doing just that.
That’s because reports in Spain have emerged suggesting he’s told Luis Suarez he’s not needed at the club next season.In fact, RAC1 say the legendary striker will have his contract terminated.
According to the report, Koeman phoned the Uruguayan on Monday morning to tell him he’s surplus to requirements. Now, Suarez’s lawyers will settle the contract, which had one year left remaining with an option of an extra year.
So, Suarez is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
Suarez turns 34 in January but surely that’s not the way to treat a club legend.
Just last week, he admitted that he would accept a bit-part role next season.
"I would accept being a substitute here," Suarez said.
"The competition is always good and if the coach considers that I should start from the bench, I have no problem helping with the role they give me. I think I can still contribute a lot to this club."
Since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2014, Suarez has scored 198 goals in 283 appearances in all competitions.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club will look to replace Suarez with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
If they fail to sign the Argentine, Koeman will look towards compatriot Memphis Depay from Lyon.
One thing is for sure, it seems Suarez’s Barcelona career is over.