Flying Dutchman?

Ajax and Liverpool Continue to Debate the Fate of Luis Suarez

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer

January 24, 2011

The need for a potent strike partner for Fernando Torres is still the debate of the transfer string pullers for the Liverpool Reds. Kenny Dalglish is adamant to add to his squad is at all possible and the chance for the rising Uruguayan star to head from Dutch Giants Ajax to Merseyside would be a signing of master class in the eyes of many.

Suarez rose to worldwide prominence alongside countryman Diego Forlan at the 2010 World Cup as Uruguay had a great cup run. This followed on the back of a third straight dominant year in the Dutch Eredivisie where he hauled in 49 goals in all competitions in 2010 after 22, and 28 goal tallies in 2008 and 2009. At only 24, a partnership between youth, speed, and dominant desire between Torres and himself could take the premiership by storm.

Talks have been ongoing for over a week, and the two sides are still back and forth over price. Dirk Kuyt voiced his opinion that Suarez would be, "welcomed with open arms," as the attacking options are lacking at Liverpool.

The move seems to be more and more likely to fizzle as the two clubs remain far apart in the transfer fee. Liverpool has made an offer believed in the £17 Million range, but Ajax appears to be holding firm to an asking price above £25 Million. It is thought that because of this and the remaining two and a half years on his Ajax contract that the Striker will not be allowed to leave until the summer.

However, there was confirmation this morning that Ryan Babel will be remaining on Merseyside rather than making a move. He desired a return to Ajax, which could have possibly sweetened the deal for the Dutch, but that seemed to not be in the cards at all. And he is not willing to move to the Bundesliga despite the Club accepting a transfer fee of £7 Million from Hoffenheim. These recent developments have more than likely ended the negotiations and the deal as of the current window.