Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United are the frontrunners among a host of clubs exploring a deal for former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who could depart Juventus this month. As per reports from Tutto Mercato Web, the Brazilian has endured a difficult start to life in Turin and is disgruntled by the situation, which could prompt him to return to England.
Tottenham and Fulham are the other two Premier League sides in for the talented midfielder, who had attracted attention from several clubs during his time with the Villans as well. He departed the Premier League in July 2024 and has not quite hit the ground running with the Old Lady, playing just 354 minutes across 13 games so far this season.
This is a huge drop from last season, where Luiz featured for 4,353 minutes across 53 games for Aston Villa, scoring 10 and assisting 10 goals. Considering this is not the involvement he would like, the Brazilian could be tempted to return to the Premier League where he made a name for himself.
What kind of player is Douglas Luiz?
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1998, Douglas Luiz came through the youth ranks at Vasco da Gama between 2013-16. He broke into their first team in 2016 and remained with them for a season before Manchester City signed him in 2016. However, he did not make a single appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, spending one season on loan at Girona in between.
Then in 2019, Aston Villa signed Luiz subject to a work permit clearance and he became a crucial component of their rebuild under new ownership. He made 204 appearances for the Villans, scoring 22 goals and assisting 24 as well, playing as a holding midfielder or in a midfield two. Adept with keeping the ball at his feet, Luiz can dribble it well, shield it, and also pick out a decent long ball.
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Apart from that, he could also score some spectacular goals from distance – be it from free-kicks or even direct goals from corners. Luiz is also a good defender who blocks passing lanes and covers the right areas when out of possession as well. As a result, he was once one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football.
