Ranking the 5 clubs Luis Suarez could join in 2022

#3 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta addressing the press after Norwich City's Premier League game against Arsenal.

Luis Suarez and Arsenal go way back - not just for the goals and assists the Uruguayan provided against the Gunners, but for a very cheeky bid made by former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in 2013 for Suarez.

Suarez reportedly had a £40 million release clause in his Liverpool contract. Arsenal, desperate to add attacking reinforcements, submitted a bid of £40 million and £1 in an attempt to activate the clause and open negotiations for Suarez. Needless to say, the deal fell through before any talks were opened, and it was later found that there was no such clause, much to the Gunners' embarrassment.

However, eight years since that incident, Luis Suarez could be a vital addition to an Arsenal squad under rebuild. The Gunners have frozen out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad and stripped him off captaincy following a disciplinary breach. Other options like Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have not offered consistency or clutch goals either.

Signing Luis Suarez would galvanise the group and give the younger players somebody to idolise and learn from. In addition to his behind-the-scenes involvement, Suarez can also contribute on the pitch, which he has shown this season with nine goals and two assists.

However, this is another tricky deal to complete, as the Spanish club will have to make suitable replacements before letting Suarez leave.

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#2 Barcelona

Xavi has revitalised the Barcelona squad since his arrival last year.

Barcelona is the club where Luis Suarez enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career. Besides winning the UEFA Champions League in 2017, Suarez formed a formidable partnership alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack.

Due to internal issues and disagreements over wage demands, Suarez left the Blaugrana in 2020 to sign for rivals Atletico Madrid. Since then, the fortunes of the two clubs could not have been in greater contrast.

Barcelona sit in fifth place in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid and a point adrift of Atletico Madrid. However, Barca have undergone a complete transformation in their squad. They released and sold older players to create space for La Masia graduates.

With manager Xavi and the returning Dani Alves already familiar with Luis Suarez, it could help bring the dressing room closer if the Uruguayan signs for the club.

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#1 Aston Villa

Steven Gerrard is already showing glimpses of a massive upturn in Aston Villa's fortunes.

News in recent times suggests Luis Suarez would be open to reuniting with his former Liverpool teammates Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa.

Gerrard took charge at the club following Dean Smith's sacking last year. Since joining them, Villa have done well, and have recently entered the top half of the points table in the Premier League.

Gerrard brought in his former teammate Coutinho from Barcelona on a loan deal, and the Brazilian has made an instant impact. He came off the bench against Manchester United, scoring a goal and setting up another in less than 15 minutes of action. The match ended in a draw.

With a team like theirs, it wouldn't surprise many if Villa were to build a squad worthy of challenging for a top-six spot next season. Should they sign Luis Suarez, their task could become all the more easier.