Manchester United`s quest for a new central striker continues, a pursuit made more pressing by the evolving transfer landscape. While primary targets have dominated headlines, a report indicates the club is now casting its net wider, specifically towards Spain`s second tier, in the form of Almeria forward Luis Suarez.
The situation at Old Trafford is straightforward: reinforcements are needed upfront. Rasmus Hojlund continues his development, but the depth chart is notably thin, featuring players like Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha who operate slightly differently, the highly inexperienced Chido Obi, and a general lack of established, prolific options to lead the line consistently. Potential moves for players like Victor Osimhen remain on the table, but the club seems to be prudently exploring alternatives.
Suarez Emerges as an Option
With reports suggesting that previous target Viktor Gyokeres is potentially nearing a move elsewhere, specifically linked with a switch to Arsenal, United`s focus appears to be shifting. According to recent dispatches from Spain, Almeria`s Luis Suarez is now a player firmly on the Red Devils` radar. The Colombian forward is valued at approximately £22 million (€25m), a figure that represents a significantly lower outlay compared to some of the more high-profile names previously linked.
Suarez is coming off a statistically impressive individual campaign in the 2024-25 season. Playing for Almeria in La Liga 2, he managed a remarkable 31 goals across all competitions. This includes a substantial return in the league:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga 2 | 41 | 27 | 8 |
| Copa del Rey | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Luis Suarez`s 2024-25 Season Statistics (Almeria)
Almeria`s failure to achieve promotion back to La Liga makes Suarez a prime candidate for a summer departure, attracting interest from several clubs in England and Italy.
The Gamble Factor
While 31 goals is undoubtedly an eye-catching tally, the context of playing in the second division of Spanish football is crucial. The step up to the demands and intensity of the Premier League is considerable. At 27 years old, Suarez might be entering what is typically considered a player`s prime years, but his previous top-flight experience offers a note of caution.
Notably, his goal return in prior La Liga campaigns hasn`t been as prolific, including a season with Almeria in 2021-22 where he netted only four times. This stark contrast highlights the gamble involved in signing a player who has excelled in a lower division but hasn`t consistently proven his mettle at the very highest level.
However, the player has received positive commentary, with scout Jacek Kulig reportedly lauding his `crazy` quality. This suggests that the raw talent and potential are there, even if consistency at the top level remains unproven.
Considering the relatively modest £22 million fee, signing Luis Suarez could be viewed as a calculated risk. It`s possible that United see him not as the sole solution to their striker needs, but perhaps as a valuable, cost-effective addition to the squad, potentially brought in alongside a more established, proven goalscorer. This approach would provide much-needed depth and a different profile of attacker, without placing the entire goalscoring burden on a player transitioning from a different league and level.
