Sporting CP have confirmed the signing of Colombian forward Luis Suárez on a contract running until 2030, complete with an €80 million release clause.
CLUB OFFCICAL STATEMENT
Luís Suárez is Sporting Clube de Portugal's latest signing. At 27, the forward arrives at Alvalade after a stellar season with UD Almería, where he scored 31 goals and provided eight assists in 2024/2025.
In his first statements to the Club's media, the Colombian - with a contract until 2030 and an 80 million euro release clause - admitted that signing for Sporting CP is “the biggest challenge” of his life.
"I've reached the pinnacle of my career. I'm eager to give a positive response to the leaders who trusted me and the fans who welcomed me so warmly. I want to show that I have what it takes to be here," he began.
A native of Santa Marta, Colombia, Suárez began his career with Itagüí Leones FC and played in several European championships before establishing himself in Spanish football. Now, he's swapping southern Spain for Lisbon, where he'll wear the number 97, a tribute to his birth year.
"I like to mark new beginnings, different chapters in my career. I used to wear the number 9, but now at Sporting CP I want to elevate the number 97 to the highest level," he explained.
The connection to the Club's symbol, however, is not recent: the Colombian has a Lion tattooed on his left arm and this detail made the choice even more special.
"I identify with the animal because of its personality and character, and the tenacity with which it protects its herd. When I received the offer from Sporting CP, I didn't hesitate because everything seemed connected," he said enthusiastically, adding that "everyone knows the size of the club."
"It's a great team not only in Portugal, but also at European and global level, and it has grown even more in recent years. This makes Sporting CP attractive not only to the players, but also to fans around the world," he emphasized, not shying away from the expectations he knows he carries with him.
"I want to succeed here, do things well, and above all, achieve the club's objectives, which is the most important thing. I want to help the team by scoring goals, because that's why they hired me, and by providing assists, winning games, winning titles. That's what I'm missing in my career: winning important trophies. I believe that at Sporting CP we can achieve a lot, and that, for me, would be the most beautiful thing that could happen."
And there are already Leonine references that serve as motivation. "I want to leave my mark, that Colombian mark that has already marked Sporting fans in the past. In my position, I know that Téo [Gutierrez] and Fredy [Montero] are very much loved here, and I want to make history too."
Defining himself as "a strong, agile forward, always with his eyes on the goal and the goal, who gives everything to help his teammates not only in attack, but also in defensive work whenever necessary", the Leonino reinforcement does not deny his ambition to represent his country again.
"Sporting CP is a world-class club, and I believe I can be a huge help to the team, which could open doors for the Colombian national team again," he said.
Adapting to Lisbon, however, has been quick and successful. "The fans, the club, and my teammates are making these first few days incredible. My family and I are very happy to be here, and I hope that translates onto the pitch," he stated, emphasizing that Rui Borges's trust and the squad's welcome are crucial to this process.
"The manager gave me complete confidence and peace of mind from the first contact, and he emphasized that the most important thing is to adapt gradually. And I also have nothing but praise for my colleagues: they made me feel part of the group from the very first moment. That's very important to me, and I'm very grateful to all of them."
In closing, Luis Suárez made a firm commitment to all Sporting fans. "I arrived wanting to 'devour the world,' and I believe that by your side, with your support, we have a great team that can achieve all its goals."