Luis Suarez 'closing in' on next transfer just months after emotional homecoming

Luis Suarez is reportedly set to join LA Galaxy after this winter's World Cup, only weeks after returning to Uruguay with Nacional.

The 35-year-old went back to his boyhood club during the summer, after his time with Atletico Madrid came to an end. Suarez, who had a glittering career across Europe - including spells with Liverpool and Barcelona rejoined Nacional back in July - 21 years after signing for them initially.

"I've now reached a pre-agreement in order to join Nacional, it was impossible for me to say no to this opportunity," Suarez said on social media. "I hope final details will be resolved soon in order to complete the deal officially."

The forward has since played 11 times for Nacional - and has been in decent form, scoring four times and registering three assists. But according to Esports RAC1, Suarez is set to be on the move again and will join the Galaxy following the conclusion of the World Cup in Qatar.

Suarez will join former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in Los Angeles should a move be completed, with Chicharito recently agreeing to a one-year contract extension. The Uruguayan top flight is set to reach its conclusion next month, with his deal expiring at the end of 2022.

He does have an option to trigger a 12-month extension and had hinted he would stay with Nacional to complete what he said was a career circle. Asked by Marca whether his time in European football was over, he told Marca: "Yes because I already did my European career and I left there very proud.

"I had many options, many, before coming to Nacional, but the meaning of coming to my country was also that: Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barca, Atletico... What better career than that in Europe?

"For this reason, I could not finish - after Atletico - in another inferior team. That trajectory was perfect. I would have lowered the level and that's how I ended up at the highest level: Atletico. Hence, it made sense to come to Uruguay, not because it is a minor league, but to close a circle."

The timing of a potential move Stateside is a curious one, with Major League Soccer also set to conclude before players make the trip to the Gulf State. The 2023 season is then not scheduled to get underway until July, meaning he will be out of action for another six months.

Suarez would be joining one of the most competitive teams in MLS however, with LA Galaxy firmly in the mix for a spot in the postseason. Greg Vanney's side are well placed in the Western Conference and need just a couple more results to book their place in the playoffs.

His arrival would also help replace a departing South American icon after Gonazlo Higuain announced he would be retiring at the end of the season. The Argentine striker has been playing in the States since 2020, but confirmed he will be hanging up the boots when Inter Miami's season comes to an end over the next few weeks.

Read more

Mirror Football's top stories

Newcastle hierarchy turned down Man Utd

Spurs hero wades in on perennial debate

Haaland opens up on pre-match fuel

Gallagher blasts Carragher and Neville