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Luis Suarez is one of the greatest strikers to have played the game. The Uruguayan broke through at Ajax before making his mark with Liverpool and then at Barcelona. He currently plays for Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Known for his determined approach to the game, Suarez is a combative striker. Despite his relatively short frame, he can hold his own, create chances and finish them with aplomb.
He is one of the only players who has outscored both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their primes. Suarez achieved the feat in the 2015-16 season, netting 40 goals in La Liga. He finished five goals ahead of second-placed Ronaldo to secure his only Pichichi trophy (La Liga top scorer).
However, it is understandable that Luis Suarez, now 35, is seeking a less demanding challenge for himself. With the Uruguayan's contract expiring in the summer, several clubs are vying for his signature. However, the list isn't as glamorous as it would have been a decade ago.
Without further ado, here are the five clubs Luis Suarez could join in 2022:
#5 West Ham United
David Moyes' West Ham United side are taking the Premier League by storm this season. The club are in fifth spot in the league table, just a point off fourth-placed Manchester United.
With the likes of Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio in their ranks, the Hammers look equipped to take the battle for the top four right down to the wire.
However, they lack the experience needed to maintain their form and sustain a season-long challenge. Aside from Antonio and Bowen, West Ham lack a goal threat who can also create chances.
That opens up an opportunity for the club to put in a cheeky late bid for Luis Suarez as a stop-gap option. The Uruguayan striker could prove to be an astute piece of business, and share the workload and minutes with Antonio.
Furthermore, his prior experience in the Premier League with Liverpool would allow him to settle quickly and make an impact. However, for this deal to go through, Atletico Madrid will have to secure a long-term signing to replace Suarez.
#4 Ajax
Ajax have taken Europe by storm this season, finishing atop their Champions League table with a perfect record of six wins in as many games. They are also in first place in the Eredivisie standings with 48 points, two ahead of closest challengers PSV Eindhoven.
Under Erik Ten Hag, the club plays slick, quick and exciting attacking football. Sebastian Haller is their top scorer this season with 22 goals across competitions. Out of those, ten came in the Champions League group stage, with the Ivorian netting in all six games.
A return to his former club would be a tempting prospect for Luis Suarez, considering the situation they are in. Atleti, meanwhile, are competing for a place in the top four in La Liga this season after a faltering start to their title defence.
Ajax could do with an old, experienced hand. El Pistolero might relish the opportunity to add to the solitary Eredivisie title he won with the club back in 2011.
#3 Arsenal
Luis Suarez and Arsenal go way back - not just for the goals and assists the Uruguayan provided against the Gunners, but for a very cheeky bid made by former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in 2013 for Suarez.
Suarez reportedly had a £40 million release clause in his Liverpool contract. Arsenal, desperate to add attacking reinforcements, submitted a bid of £40 million and £1 in an attempt to activate the clause and open negotiations for Suarez. Needless to say, the deal fell through before any talks were opened, and it was later found that there was no such clause, much to the Gunners' embarrassment.
However, eight years since that incident, Luis Suarez could be a vital addition to an Arsenal squad under rebuild. The Gunners have frozen out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad and stripped him off captaincy following a disciplinary breach. Other options like Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have not offered consistency or clutch goals either.
Signing Luis Suarez would galvanise the group and give the younger players somebody to idolise and learn from. In addition to his behind-the-scenes involvement, Suarez can also contribute on the pitch, which he has shown this season with nine goals and two assists.
However, this is another tricky deal to complete, as the Spanish club will have to make suitable replacements before letting Suarez leave.
#2 Barcelona
Barcelona is the club where Luis Suarez enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career. Besides winning the UEFA Champions League in 2017, Suarez formed a formidable partnership alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack.
Due to internal issues and disagreements over wage demands, Suarez left the Blaugrana in 2020 to sign for rivals Atletico Madrid. Since then, the fortunes of the two clubs could not have been in greater contrast.
Barcelona sit in fifth place in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid and a point adrift of Atletico Madrid. However, Barca have undergone a complete transformation in their squad. They released and sold older players to create space for La Masia graduates.
With manager Xavi and the returning Dani Alves already familiar with Luis Suarez, it could help bring the dressing room closer if the Uruguayan signs for the club.
#1 Aston Villa
News in recent times suggests Luis Suarez would be open to reuniting with his former Liverpool teammates Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa.
Gerrard took charge at the club following Dean Smith's sacking last year. Since joining them, Villa have done well, and have recently entered the top half of the points table in the Premier League.
Gerrard brought in his former teammate Coutinho from Barcelona on a loan deal, and the Brazilian has made an instant impact. He came off the bench against Manchester United, scoring a goal and setting up another in less than 15 minutes of action. The match ended in a draw.
With a team like theirs, it wouldn't surprise many if Villa were to build a squad worthy of challenging for a top-six spot next season. Should they sign Luis Suarez, their task could become all the more easier.
