Lisbon/London, July 25–26, 2025 — Sunderland AFC have reportedly missed out on signing prolific Colombian striker Luis Javier Suárez from UD Almería, as Sporting CP move to finalise a deal worth around €25 million (circa £21.1m). The agreement includes a 10 % sell-on clause, confirming Sporting’s leap ahead in the race for the 27‑year‑old front‑man.
Suárez, who netted an impressive 31 goals in 43 appearances during Almería’s 2024–25 campaign, emerged as a hot transfer commodity this summer following the club’s relegation from La Liga. Attracting interest from European heavyweights including Manchester United, Liverpool, Atlético Madrid and Juventus, his standout season boosted his profile significantly.
Domino Effect Drives Sporting’s Move
Sporting CP accelerated their pursuit after news broke that star forward Viktor Gyökeres is close to a £63.5m switch to Arsenal. With Gyökeres departing, Sporting swiftly prioritised Suárez as the ideal replacement. Reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate that talks between Sporting and Almería escalated rapidly, and terms were agreed in recent days.
Romano later confirmed: “Sporting CP have agreed deal to sign Luis Javier Suárez from Almería, here we go! Deal confirmed as exclusively revealed in June. €25m fee package plus 10 % sell‑on clause.”
Sunderland’s Interest Falters
While Sunderland had shown early interest in Suárez—alongside Burnley and Turkish side Fenerbahçe—they never advanced negotiations to the final stage. Sources suggest the Black Cats’ initial enquiry may have been validated by Almería’s president warning that negotiations would not wait indefinitely for Sporting’s final offer.
Spanish outlet Diario de Almería had previously reported that Sunderland were prepared to meet Almería’s £21.6m asking price and were close to fulfilling Suárez’s preference for Champions League football. However, Almería were only willing to consider proposals that aligned with the striker’s best interests—a factor that reportedly placed Sporting, offering European competition, in a favorable position.
What Suárez Brings
The Colombian forward’s record in Spain’s Segunda División—27 goals and eight assists in 41 matches—made him one of Europe’s most enticing striking prospects this off‑season. A player known for his pace, work‑rate and consistent finishing, Suárez has now earned a move to one of Portugal’s premier teams.
Wider Impact on Sunderland’s Transfer Strategy
Sunderland’s failure to secure Suárez is the latest setback in their summer recruitment drive. The club had already seen potential moves for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García stall and been unsuccessful in attempts to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Laurienté. As a result, the club are expected to shift focus to alternative attacking targets in the weeks ahead.
Nonetheless, Sunderland have not been idle. The Black Cats have already signed midfielders Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra, Belgian winger Chemsedine Talbi, and goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic as manager Régis Le Bris prepares for a Premier League season aiming to consolidate their top-flight status.
Conclusion
In sum, Sporting CP have emerged victorious in the race for Luis Suárez, agreeing a comprehensive deal with Almería that clearly aligns with the player’s ambitions. Sunderland, meanwhile, must regroup and pursue alternate targets after seeing their interest fade as the Portuguese club moved decisively. With the Premier League season approaching fast, the race to bolster their attack remains a top priority.
