Luis Suarez was blocked from joining Manchester United due to a specific transfer clause inserted into his Barcelona contract. The restriction was agreed when he signed from Liverpool for £75 million in 2014, preventing moves to Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Uruguayan striker spent six successful seasons at Barcelona, winning four La Liga titles and the Champions League alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar. However, after the 2019/20 season, manager Ronald Koeman told him he was surplus to requirements and should find a new club.
Barcelona's contract complications
Barcelona initially agreed to let Suarez leave for free, provided he gave up part of his final year's salary and avoided joining rival clubs on the restricted list. When Atletico Madrid emerged as his preferred destination, Barcelona initially tried to block that move too, not wanting to strengthen a direct La Liga rival.
After threatening legal action over the blocked transfer, Suarez finally secured his move to the Wanda Metropolitano on a two-year deal. His debut proved Barcelona's mistake immediately - he scored twice and provided an assist in his first match.
Title success at Atletico
Suarez achieved something at Atletico Madrid that had eluded him during three-and-a-half seasons at Liverpool - winning a league title. He scored 21 goals in 32 La Liga matches as Diego Simeone's side claimed their first championship in seven years.
His phenomenal final season at Liverpool saw him net 31 goals in 33 Premier League matches, establishing him as one of the world's best strikers. During his entire Anfield career from January 2011 to summer 2014, he managed 82 goals in 133 appearances.
Current Champions League clash
The timing of this revelation gains extra significance as Liverpool host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening in their Champions League opener. Both clubs hold special meaning for Suarez, who alongside Fernando Torres enjoys legend status at both teams.
Liverpool have started the Premier League season perfectly with four wins from four matches, though manager Arne Slot will be concerned they've needed late goals in each victory. Atletico have struggled early this season, winning just one of their first four La Liga fixtures before defeating Villarreal 2-0 at the weekend.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo", "Manchester Evening News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
