The defender has become the latest figure at Camp Nou to endorse the Uruguayan’s abilities, while offering his sympathy to team-mate Neymar following his World Cup-ending injury
Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has described Luis Suarez as “a very complete” forward and says he would be welcome at Camp Nou.
The Spanish giants are in advanced talks over a deal for the Uruguay and Liverpol star as they prepare to launch an €88 million offer for the player.
Suarez will miss the start of the 2014-15 season after receiving a four-month ban from all football activity for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, but Bartra is adamant the 27-year-old would be a great signing for the club.
“For me he’s a great player and, if he comes, he would be welcome. He is a very complete striker,” he told reporters at a sponsor event.
Suarez would become Barca’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Ivan Rakitic and goalkeepers Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen – three players Bartra believes will be key additions.
“Bravo knows La Liga well and that’s good. Ter Stegen is a great keeper from what I’ve seen, he saves a lot and is good with his feet. Rakitic is very complete and I am sure he will adapt quickly to the team.”
Barcelona are also believed to be in the market for a central defender following the retirement of Carles Puyol, with Paris Saint-Germain youngster Marquinhos among those linked with a move, but Bartra is not concerned by the prospect of increased competition for places.
“With the loss of Puyi, it’s normal that someone comes in his place. I’m calm, I’m eager to start, and whoever comes in, I’ll try to help him. Whoever he is, I’m eager to win my place,” he said.
Finally, Bartra backed team-mate Neymar to come back even stronger after suffering a back injury which has ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup.
“It’s a shame because he could have given more at the Wold Cup. Knowing him, I’m sure he is annoyed, because they are losing the best player at the World Cup,” he added.
“I hope he recovers as soon as possible and can start with us. I’m sure this will make him stronger.”