by Kadeem Simmonds

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Barcelona over the sale of racist striker Luis Suarez for £75 million.

Suarez, currently serving a four-month ban for biting an opponent, has signed for the Spanish club on a five-year-deal.

Suarez’s ban stops him from doing any football related activities but Fifa have allowed him to sign for Barcelona and will also allow him to complete a medical.

The Spanish side themselves were meant to be serving a transfer ban lasting two windows after breaching rules on signing minors from overseas but managed to get the ban suspended for six months and have wasted no time in completing their transfer business this summer.

Official talks between the two clubs began over a week ago with the Spanish league runners-up willing to meet the Uruguayan’s international buy-out clause.

Liverpool were keen to add Alexis Sanchez to the deal in a cash-plus-player swap but his transfer to Arsenal on Thursday night meant it is a cash only deal.

A statement from the Anfield club read: “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.”

Suarez had pushed for a move away from Liverpool last summer, with Arsenal having a bid rejected, but has now got his move to a club he has always dreamed about playing for.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” said the 27-year-old.

“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.

“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.”