Liverpool and Newcastle United have both intensified their pursuit of Sporting Club de Portugal striker Luis Suárez, with indications growing that his next destination could be the Premier League. Correio da Manhã suggests the two sides have accelerated their interest following an exceptional run of form in Lisbon that has attracted attention from top European teams.
The Colombian has delivered several notable performances during the campaign, including a decisive display against Paris Saint-Germain in January when he found the net twice. That performance significantly elevated his profile, and he has continued to impress in the months since.
Across all competitions, Suárez has registered 33 goals and seven assists in 42 matches, becoming a crucial element in Rui Borges’ attacking system. His consistent form has also secured him a firm place in Colombia’s lineup, where he is now considered a guaranteed starter ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Sporting are fully aware of his impact and are bracing for offers, though they remain confident in their position as interest continues to grow.
Sporting plan to delay decision until after World Cup
The Lisbon club have Suárez under contract until 2030, with a release clause set at €80 million. Their intention is to hold off on any negotiations until after the World Cup, when his value could potentially increase further depending on his performances.
Reports indicate that both Liverpool and Newcastle are showing strong determination to land the forward, with competition between them already intensifying. There is also a sense that Suárez could follow a similar route to Viktor Gyokeres by eventually moving to England.
The striker himself has acknowledged that a switch to the Premier League could happen once the season ends. However, Sporting’s preference is to postpone any decisions until after the international tournament.
This approach has fueled the belief in Portugal that his time at Alvalade may serve as a stepping stone before a bigger move.
Concerns over fee and past performances
Despite the growing interest, doubts remain about the €80 million valuation. Such a fee would represent a major outlay for either Liverpool or Newcastle, particularly for a player aged 28. A figure closer to €60 million is viewed as more realistic, although even that amount could raise concerns.
While his current numbers are impressive, his previous spells in La Liga were less convincing. He recorded eight goals in 37 appearances in one season and five in 27 in another, which may cause hesitation among potential buyers.
Although he has surpassed 20 league goals in each of the last two seasons, one of those campaigns came in La Liga 2, which could affect how his performances are judged.
Taken together, these factors suggest that despite strong interest, clubs may proceed carefully when considering a deal of this magnitude.