This headline is not mine but that of Fenway Sports Group owner John W Henry who said it when asked if they would allow Liverpool’s star player to be sold to a Premier League rival.
“We are not going to sell Luis,” said Henry.
“We’re not in Europe this year and have not been in the Champions League for a while. To sell to a rival for those positions, or one of them, would be ludicrous.
“Liverpool needs to be playing in Europe; it needs to be playing in the Champions League. That’s what Liverpool football club is about.”
Henry goes on to say that even if Arsenal were to increase their bid to over £50 as has been speculated in the press it will no change Henrys position.
“I’m unequivocal that we won’t sell to Arsenal, whatever the bid is,” he said. “I have not said it to Stan (Kroenke, Arsenal’s majority shareholder) but I had a personal conversation with Ivan Gazidis (Arsenal chief executive) and told him we would not sell.
“He won’t be sold even if a foreign club comes in, because we do not have time to sign a suitable replacement.
“It’s a football reason, it’s not about finances. That’s why, at this point, so late in the window, with everyone who’s already moved or isn’t moving, we can’t replace him. So, for football reasons, we can’t sell, and especially to Arsenal.”
And Henry does not believe that Suarez’s relationship with Rodgers and the Liverpool fans has been damaged beyond repair.
“The manager is upset, as he should be, and the supporters are upset,” said Henry. “But we need Luis. Hopefully this will pass.”
