According to reports in Spain, former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is close to moving to River Plate this summer. The 35-year-old is expected to depart Atletico Madrid as a result of the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.
The Uruguayan international’s next stop, according to Mundo Deportivo, will be Argentina. The report claimed that the transfer could happen as soon as Monday or Tuesday this week.
Although Suarez celebrated PSG star Lionel Messi’s birthday with Cesc Fabregas in Ibiza last week, the report also claimed that Suarez has not yet indicated if he would travel with the duo to Paris after the vacation.
And River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo seems to be relaxed over the situation while praising the Uruguayan as an ‘elite player’ who is still showing the ‘will and enthusiasm’ to continue his career even at 35.
When asked about the possibility of signing Suarez and Colombian striker Miguel Borja, Marcelo Gallardo said: ‘There are possibilities’.
‘I think one of the two will clearly happen. But before that we have to be focused on what we have today,’ he continued. ‘If they are signed, it will be to enrich the squad and have another expectation.
‘[Suarez] is an elite player, who is currently recovering from a knee injury. We attempted, he has the will, and enthusiasm, it’s good.
‘If he hadn’t shown enthusiasm, we wouldn’t be here waiting. It will be a decision and when it is possible we will see if it is feasible. You don’t have to lie to people or generate a lot of enthusiasm.’
Suarez left Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid earlier this month and is being pursued by several teams, including Atalanta and Inter Miami. However, Suarez has reportedly held talks with River Plate.
The 37-time Argentine Primera Division winners are eager to sign striking reinforcements, after losing Julian Alvarez to Manchester City this summer. River Plate sees Luis Suarez as one of the best players to replace Julian Alvarez ahead of the coming season.
Suárez had his lowest goal tally in ten years last season but boasts of over 500 in his career. However, the Uruguayan international scored 21 league goals in the 2020-2021 season as he helped Atletico win the league.
According to rumors, River Plate’s victory over Velez Sarsfield and advancement to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals may aid them in their search for the former Liverpool player.
Note that Luis Suarez moved to Atletico Madrid two years ago but has dropped in his performance under Diego Simeone. Last season, his form made the manager play Angel Correa, Antoine Griezmann, Joao Felix, and Matheus Cunha in the attack ahead of Suarez.
