The striker comes in through to 2030, with an 80M buyout clause

Luis Suárez has become the newest addition to the Sporting Clube de Portugal squad, as the 27-year old striker comes to Alvalade on a contract through to 2030.

He joins after an excellent season with UD Almería in the Spanish Segunda División, where he scored 31 goals and provided eight assists in 2024/25.

In his first statements after his arrival, the Colombian -whose buyout clause has been set at 2030- admitted that signing with Sporting CP is “the biggest challenge” of his life.

"I've reached the prime of my career. I'm eager to give a positive response to the directors who believed in me and the fans who have welcomed me so warmly. I want to show that I have what it takes to be here," he began by saying.

Born in Santa Marta in his homeland, Suárez started out at Itagüí Leones FC and played in several European leagues before establishing himself in Spanish football. In Lisbon, he will 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 take the number 97 to the highest level," he explained.

His connection with the club's traditional symbol, however, is not recent: The Colombian has a lion tattooed on his left arm.

"I identify with this animal because of its personality and character, and the tenacity with which it protects its pack. When I received the offer from Sporting CP, I didn't hesitate because everything seemed connected," he commented enthusiastically.

"Everyone knows the size of this club. This is a great team -not only in Portugal, but also at European and global level- and the club have grown even more in recent years. This makes Sporting CP attractive not only to the players, but also to fans around the world," he emphasised.

"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 signed me, and by providing assists, winning games and winning trophies. That's what I've been 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."

As for previous players from his homeland who serve as motivation, Suárez has several to turn to.

"I want to leave my mark, the same as other Colombian players at Sporting CP in the past. In my position, I know that Téo [Gutierrez] and Fredy [Montero] are very well-loved here, and I want to make history too."

Defining himself as "a strong, agile striker, always with his eye on goal, who gives everything to help his teammates not only in attack, but also in defence whenever necessary," he cites his move as another way of representing his country again in the future.

"Sporting CP are a world-class club and I believe I can be a huge help to the team, which could open the doors to the Colombian national team again," he said.

"The fans, the club, and my teammates are making these first few days here incredible. My family and I are very happy to be here, and I hope that translates onto the pitch. The manager showed complete confidence in me and gave me peace of mind from the first time we met. He reinforced that the most important thing is to adapt gradually. I also have nothing but praise for my teammates: They have made me feel part of the group from the very first moment I got here. This is very important for me, and I am very grateful to all of them."

Finally, Suárez made a firm commitment to all Sporting CP fans.

"I arrive here wanting to conquer the world, and I believe that with you, with your support, we have a great team that can achieve all of our goals."