Cruz Azul president: “Luis Suárez preferred to play in Brazil”

Cruz Azul continue their search for a centre-forward but haven’t had much luck so far in the Liga MX transfer market. One of the first options that arose was that of Luis Suárez, who was a free agent after leaving Nacional. But while initially it looked like the possibility of his arrival was real, finally the Uruguayan opted to sign with Brazilian club Grêmio.

Cruz Azul president Víctor Velázquez announced the operation to bring Luis Suárez to the club was on the right track but in the end, El Pistolero decided to play in Brazil for personal reasons.

“Everything about the Luis Suárez deal was going very well until he decided to join Conmebol and be closer to his country. In the end it was down to family and personal issues,” Velázquez told W Deportes.

Little over a fortnight ago, Luis Suárez recently signed a two-year deal with Grêmio, committing until December 2024. The Uruguayan’s arrival caused madness in Brazil with even Rivaldo describing the move as the signing of the year.

Valencia and Falcao: options for Cruz Azul

So La Máquina continues its search for a No.9. Velázquez acknowledged that Enner Valencia and Radamel Falcao are among the options they have studied for the position, however, right now the priority is releasing one of the foreign players since Cruz Azul has all 10 slots for foreign players fully occupied.

“There are several players that we are still looking at; we are still hoping to sign a striker. The ones that have been mentioned (Falcao and Enner) plus several others,” said Velázquez, who added that he will talk to the team’s coach ‘Potro’ Gutiérrez to determine which foreign player will leave the club.