According to SPORT, Sporting CP centre-forward Luis Suarez does not appear to be on the radars of FC Barcelona despite contrary reports.
Earlier today, it emerged that the Blaugrana had identified the 28-year-old Colombian striker as a possible Plan B if their attempt to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid falls through.
Suarez not in club’s thoughts
However, as per the report, official club sources have categorically denied that the Colombian striker is currently part of Barça’s plans, despite recent reports linking him with the Catalan club.
Suarez was indeed offered to Barcelona around two months ago. His representatives, led by Fali Ramadani, presented his availability and the conditions of a potential transfer to the sporting department.
Not in Barcelona’s plans. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
However, Barcelona insist that no negotiations have taken place and none are planned. His €80 million release clause and sporting profile were assessed, but the club ultimately decided that he isn’t the player they want for the current project.
Alvarez remains the priority
According to the club, Alvarez remains the only centre-forward currently being seriously pursued.
Barcelona are prepared to wait for the Argentine and continue working toward a potential agreement.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is pushing to leave Atletico Madrid and join Barça, and the Catalan club hope that this situation will eventually lead to negotiations with the Rojiblancos.
Suarez has been among the forwards analysed by Barcelona in recent weeks, as have numerous other candidates.
Suarez comes with an €80 million release clause. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
There is no question about his quality, but his price and sporting considerations have led Barça to rule him out for now.
Lautaro also ruled out
Barcelona have also recently denied that Lautaro Martinez is a viable option for the position.
The Inter Milan captain has been linked with the La Liga champions on and off for years now, and his name has resurfaced again this summer.
However, as things stand, the Argentina striker is not a part of the club’s plans.
As things stand, the sporting department continues to assess other names as potential alternatives, but the strategy remains to hold firm for Alvarez and see whether his desire to move to Barcelona can ultimately make the deal possible.