A year ago, Luis Suarez was lying on a hospital bed with a broken leg and the future was covered by skepticism. A year later, he became the top scorer of Segunda División and has just been spent more than 27 million euros by Sporting to return to Portugal to replace Viktor Gyokeres, one of the hottest strikers in Europe.
From the only 8 million euro contract of a newly relegated team, Luis Suárez not only revived, but also brought Almeria a profit that could reach nearly 20 million euros if the sub -terms achieved. But behind Suarez's story, it is better to discuss the way Almeria – a small club in Spain – turning himself into a money printer thanks to business … striker.
Last season, Suarez contributed 27 goals after 38 rounds, achieving the performance of the goal (including assists) of 33.6, the achievement was only gyokeres (38,1) among the leading strikers in Europe. Even famous names such as Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski or Victor Osimhen … behind. That is why Sporting does not hesitate to have bold to have him.
But do not forget, before becoming a “new lion” in Lisbon, Suarez has experienced all kinds of hardships: from the Third Division of Spain, the times were lent, to the physical and mental pain when Almeria relegated and he broke his leg. Today's achievement is not only thanks to the goal, but also the bravery and the journey to overcome adversity.
But praising Suarez 1 must also praise Almeria 10. The 1-5 formula for buying 4-5 is still working well, and Suarez is not the first case. Over the past 5 years, Almería has sold 4 strikers with a total amount of more than 100 million euros, while the capital spent is only approximately 40 million euros.
Darwin Nunez: Buy from Penarol for 8 million, sold to Benfica 24 million, enjoying 10 million from Darwin to Liverpool. Net profit: 22 million euros. Sadiq Umar: The total purchase price is 9 million, sold to Sociedad with a total value of 26 million. Nigeria striker contributed greatly to bring Almeria to La Liga. El Bilal Toure: Buy 8 million, sell to Atalanta with a total value of nearly 31 million euros. Only after 1 season.
It all comes from less competitive markets, with high potential value (South America, Africa), and all are sold at the right time, when they have just reached their peak but not devalued.
Almería did not invest in a rush, did not invite the stars in the late afternoon, nor did he live thanks to the relegation miracle. They built a system of scouts focused on young strikers, rich in potential, then created real opportunities instead of “burying” potential stars on the bench as in big clubs.
A non -flashy strategy, but the effect is formidable.
Long journey of Suarez
Born in Santa Marta (Colombia), Suarez started his career at Los Leones Club at home. In 2016, he went to Europe to sign a contract with Granada (Spain). After playing for the U19 Granada team, he was recruited by Watford in the summer of 2017, but was lent by Valladolid B. Since then, he has been lent, after Valladolid B is Gimnastic, Zaragoza, before returning to Granada. In the summer of 2022, he joined Marseille. In early 2023, Almeria borrowed him back and after half of the impressive season, was bought off for 8 million euros.