Report: Liverpool hold strong interest in signing €80m attacker with 40 G/A in 42 games | OneFootball

Liverpool have reportedly accelerated their interest in Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez as they begin the daunting task of planning for life without Mohamed Salah.

According to the latest reports from Correio da Manhã, the Reds are prepared to fight hard to secure the Colombian international, who has emerged as one of the most prolific finishers in European football this season.

With Salah officially set to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, the club’s recruitment team has identified the 28-year-old as a prime candidate to replenish their attacking output.

However, the Merseyside giants are not alone in their admiration, setting the stage for a high-stakes Premier League bidding war.

Liverpool face stiff competition from Newcastle for Luis Suarez

While Liverpool view Suarez as a strong option for their attack, Newcastle United have also placed the striker at the very top of their summer wishlist.

The Magpies are reportedly considering Suarez as a vital upgrade to their attacking rotation.

As per the report, the primary obstacle for both clubs remains Suarez’s hefty €80 million (£69m) release clause.

Reports suggest that neither Liverpool nor Newcastle are currently willing to trigger that full amount given the striker’s age.

Instead, both clubs are expected to test Sporting’s resolve with opening offers in the region of €60m, hoping to negotiate a lower fee before the summer window officially opens.

Luis Suarez has been one of Europe’s most prolific strikers

The intense interest in Suarez is no surprise after a truly remarkable debut season in Lisbon.

Since joining Sporting as a replacement for Viktor Gyökeres last summer, the former Almería man has been in unstoppable form.

In the 2025/26 campaign, he has already racked up a staggering 33 goals and 7 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Luis Suarez stats across various clubs via Transfermarkt

His league form is particularly impressive, with 24 goals in just 25 Liga Portugal matches.

Suarez has also proven himself on the elite stage, scoring five goals in eight starts in the Champions League.

His goalscoring form in Sporting is no fluke. He produced similar numbers during his time at Almeria, scoring 41 goals and assisting 13 in 79 games across all competitions.