Liverpool have confirmed in a statement they have agreed to sell Luis Suarez to Barcelona for a reported fee of £75 million.
The striker, currently banned from all football for four months as a result of his bite on Giorgio Chiellini, will complete his move to Camp Nou as soon as the final formalities are completed.
He will travel to Barcelona next week to undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract at the Catalan club.
A Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona.
“The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.
“We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future.”
The Catalan club also confirmed the striker will be heading to La Liga in a statement.
Barca said on their official website: “Luis Suarez is one of the most productive strikers in European football. Since turning professional (2005/06) he has always scored at least 10 league goals a season, whether at Groningen, Ajax or Liverpool.
“The 27-year-old is heading for the Camp Nou as holder of the Golden Boot after hitting 31 goals for Liverpool last term, which means he has topped the scoring charts in both Holland and England.
“The 15th Uruguayan to play for FC Barcelona is not just a prolific scorer, he also has a strong competitive spirit and a powerful figure, and he’s coming to Barca in search of even more.
“Luis Suarez thus adds his name to the impressive list of world class strikers that have played for the club in recent years, and is the fifth to have arrived with a Golden Boot among his honours.”
Suarez added a statement himself to talk about the move and leaving Anfield and the Liverpool fans.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” Suarez said. “Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city.
“But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season,” he added.
“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
