Luis Javier Suárez Joins Sporting to Replace Gyökeres

Sporting Clube de Portugal has signed Colombian striker Luis Javier Suárez from Almería. He’s set to replace Viktor Gyökeres.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sporting paid €25 million to Almería for Suárez on a five-year deal. The 27-year-old striker had a great 2024/25 season, scoring 31 goals and providing eight assists in 43 matches. Suárez was one of the best strikers in Spain’s Segunda División. The deal includes a 10% sell-on clause and an €80 million release clause. Sporting hurried to sign Suárez after Gyökeres’ move to Arsenal.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR SPORTING

Suárez’s arrival is important for Sporting, who are the Portuguese champions. They need a lead striker to defend the Primeira Liga title. Last season, Sporting retained the Primeira Liga title despite losing their top scorer, finishing two points ahead of second-placed Benfica. Suárez will provide attacking support as Sporting returns to the Champions League. They also play Benfica in the Supertaça on July 31. With Gyökeres gone, Suárez’s goals and assists are key in Sporting’s domestic and European aspirations.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Suárez is expected to debut in the Supertaça against second-placed Benfica. Sporting faces an early test, with both teams favorites for the title. Suárez will try to match Gyökeres’s impact, and his record in Spain’s second division suggests he can succeed. Fans and the club hope he can keep Sporting ahead of Benfica and Porto at the start of the new season.