Dietmar Hamann believes Europe’s biggest clubs will shy away from attempting to sign Luis Suarez in the wake of the latest controversy to engulf the striker.
The Uruguayan has become embroiled in a biting controversy for the third time in his career after clashing with defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy last night.
Liverpool player Suarez has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer with reports on the morning of the match against Italy strongly suggesting that he was set to move to La Liga.
But Hamann believes Europe’s biggest clubs will cool their interest in signing the 27-year-old.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Hamann said: "It will take an awful lot of money off his value. He is favourite to go to Barcelona but this may affect that. This is all about the reputation of the football club.
Hamann made over 100 appearances for Bayern Munich before moving to play his club football in England.
He added: “Would Bayern Munich be interested in a player like this? Not in a million years. For the big clubs, it is about more than what is happening on the pitch.
"What is happening off the pitch is equally important because it is about reputation; the sponsorship deals and the merchandising they get.”
“Would Bayern Munich be interested in a player like this? Not in a million years"
Suarez status as an apparent repeat offender who had failed to change his ways is likely to be a particularly significant red flag for big teams.
Hamann added: “Would you like to have a player who have been done for the same offence three times? We talk about headbutts, but biting.....it doesn’t get any lower than that. I’m pretty sure Real Madrid and Barcelona will stay away at least this year."
Hamann also said that Suarez’ actions may have damaged Liverpool.
He added: “It could seriously affect the sponsorship deals Liverpool get. The sponsors don’t like this because at the end of the day it is all about the reputation of the football club. It is a global club and you want the fans to be proud of their players so it could also put Liverpool in a precarious position."
Meanwhile, Suarez's lawyer believes there is a European campaign against the controversial striker.
"We don't have any doubts that this has happened because it's Suarez and secondly because Italy was eliminated," said Uruguay FA board member Alejandro Balbi, who is also Suarez's lawyer.
"There's a lot of pressure from England and Italy," Balbi told local Uruguayan radio. "We're polishing off a defence argument."
Subject: Hamann: Big clubs will now steer clear of Suarez 
