Luis Suarez will reportedly remain with Brazilian side Gremio for some months despite being linked with a switch to Inter Miami.
The 36-year-old Uruguay forward joined Gremio as a free agent in January and is under contract with the Brazilian outfit until December 2024.
Earlier this week, Inter Miami secured an extra international roster slot that would allow them to bring in Suarez. An international roster spot is needed for Suarez as he wouldn’t count as a domestic player, because he is not a U.S. citizen, nor does he have permanent U.S. residence.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, July 24, Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino admitted that “there are some obstacles ” regarding a potential move for Suarez.
“After all is said and done there are some obstacles with regard to his situation with Gremio and this means that it is not all Inter Miami’s decision,” Martino said.
While Luis Suarez is keen to join his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets , and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami before the transfer window closes on August 2, the Major League Soccer club will likely have to look elsewhere for help upfront as Gremio reportedly wants to hold on to Suarez for some time.
ESPN reported that Suarez is willing to return a total of $10 million of his earnings to walk away from Gremio, but the Brazilian club has rejected the move and have insisted on keeping him till at least December.
Since joining the Brazilian club, Suarez has scored 16 goals and set up nine more in 31 games. The club will be back in action in Wednesday’s Brazilian Cup semifinal opener against Flamengo.
It is speculated that the spot freed for Suarez at Inter Miami, might be handed to Iniesta. The veteran Spanish midfielder is a free agent after leaving Japanese side Vissel Kobe, and it has been reported that he is in line for a two-year contract at DRV PNK Stadium.