Sporting is preparing to defend Luis Suárez in the World Cup.

Sporting is preparing to face a true global battle to keep Luis Suárez in their team. The Colombian forward shone once again, this time representing the Colombian national team in a friendly match against Costa Rica, confirming that he is in top form for the 2026 World Cup. With a decisive goal in the 81st minute, Suárez not only secured a 3-1 victory for the South Americans but also reinforced his status as a rising star, putting Sporting on high alert regarding potential bids for their top scorer.

Coming on at halftime, Luis Suárez took advantage of a perfect assist from James Rodríguez to seal the result at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá, in a performance that makes it clear that his presence at the World Cup will be crucial for Colombia. Before his entry, Benfica’s Richard Ríos had already made an impression, while Bayern Munich’s winger Luis Díaz was the dominant figure in the first half, scoring a goal and assisting Davinson Sánchez.

The performance of the 28-year-old forward, who will turn 29 in December, did not go unnoticed in the international market. After an absolutely impressive debut season in Lisbon, with 38 goals in 53 matches and seven assists, Suárez has become a highly sought-after asset. Sporting is well aware of their player’s value and has already made it clear that they will not accept offers below 30 or 40 million euros, even knowing that interest may increase with the approach of the World Cup.

For the Lions, the continuation of Suárez is vital. The club is heavily investing in the Colombian forward and Greek Fotis Ioannidis to lead the attacking line next season. The player’s release clause is set at 80 million euros, a figure that Sporting considers essential to ward off interest, especially from Arab magnates who tend to invest heavily in standout players.

Luis Suárez arrived at Alvalade last summer from Almería in a transfer valued at €22.1 million, with a potential add-on of €5.2 million based on the player’s performance. The contract extends until 2030, giving Sporting some leeway to manage the situation, but the pressure to secure his permanence has never been greater.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Sporting is preparing for a fierce battle in the market and knows that keeping Suárez will be one of the club’s major challenges in the coming months. The promise has been made: to acquire the forward, modest offers will not suffice. The fight for Suárez is beginning, and the lion will not make it easy.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).

[NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/riquelme-promete-haaland-e-rodri-se-for-eleito-presidente-do-real-madrid/) THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – [HERE](https://mundialfutebol.com/).