01 November 2023 , 18:32
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Luis Suarez's reunion with ex-Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is reportedly heading towards completion, with the forward set to travel to the US for talks before the end of the year.
The Uruguayan striker has been heavily linked with a move to David Beckham's MLS outfit Inter Miami in recent months following the arrival of several former Camp Nou heroes at the club. Speculation has ramped up in the past month, especially amid the expected departure of Josef Martinez from DRV PNK Stadium.
The Herons star will likely leave the club at the end of the year, and he missed the team's final regular season fixture of the campaign against Charlotte FC on October 21. Martinez's impending exit would, of course, free up a place on Miami's roster - as well as a crucial international player slot.
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As for Suarez, negotiations over a potential transfer are alleged to have taken place over email already, according to Spanish outlet El Pais. The former Liverpool marksman's contract with Brazilian side Gremio was reduced from two years to a single year in July, meaning he will become a free agent in December.
Therefore, Vice City co-owner Beckham and his partners will have free reign to strike a deal with the 36-year-old and his representatives. The report also contends that a meeting between the aforementioned parties is expected to take place next month. As it stands, they claim that all Suarez will need to agree with Miami is his 'contractual details' and some 'other aspects', including a new home. Of course, the ex-Barcelona icon will be able to seek advice from his former Camp Nou colleagues, Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The veteran striker has previously spoken of his commitment to the Gremio cause, at least until the end of his contract in Porto Alegre. Earlier in his spell, he admitted: "I committed to the club to try to play as many games as I can, it is my way of thanking them for their effort."
Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi could be reunited (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)However, Gremio president Alberto Guerra has spoken more honestly about the possibility of Suarez departing, telling Gaucha ZH: "Many things can happen until the end of the year. We are very focused on the search for classification (a la Libertadores). At the right time, if the opportunity arises (to negotiate with Suárez), we will talk. Of course we want him to stay, but specifically the latest update is that he will leave at the end of the year."
Miami head coach Tata Martino has not exactly been coy about potentially adding the Uruguayan legend to his roster, stating that him and his backroom staff have made preparations for his potential arrive. He said: "Within our analysis of the upcoming season, and the needs we may have, we have an analysis with Luis [Suarez] and an analysis without Luis. When the moment arrives to make Suárez's situation with respect to Inter Miami official, we'll be prepared to go in the corresponding direction."