Football BaBe
Douglas Luiz’s Premier League Ambitions Amid Juventus Turmoil
In a surprising twist to the summer transfer window, Douglas Luiz finds himself at a crossroads, desperate for a Premier League return but holding out for the right opportunity. After a challenging stint in Serie A, the Brazilian midfielder’s fallout with Juventus has escalated, prompting speculation about his next move and the potential repercussions of his recent actions.
- Douglas Luiz drawing attention
- Limited appearances at Juventus
- English top-flight teams showing interest
Struggles at Juventus and Desire for Premier League Comeback
Following a difficult year in Italian football, the bond between Douglas Luiz and Juventus has deteriorated significantly, culminating in the midfielder’s absence from Thursday’s training session. Sources indicate that the ex-Aston Villa talent is keen on heading back to England’s top division, yet he’s declined offers from three teams. The underlying cause for this selectivity has come to light recently.
Turning Down Offers from Mid-Table Sides
Insights from Tuttosport reveal that Luiz has passed on bids from Everton, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest, citing a lack of appeal in joining these squads. Instead, he’s aiming for a transfer to a more prominent club, which is complicating Juventus’s efforts to offload him. While Manchester United has been mentioned in connection with the player, there’s been no concrete progress. It’s understood that the Italian club won’t agree to a sale below their €40 million (£35m/$47m) asking price. That said, they’re willing to consider a loan arrangement that includes an obligatory buy clause for the full amount after the temporary spell.
Consequences of Skipping Training and Path to Resolution
Luiz is now facing disciplinary action for missing the pre-season session at Continassa. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club plans to impose a penalty on the Brazilian, likely a deduction ranging from five to 15 percent of his weekly salary, equating to roughly €40,000 to €120,000. Although tensions are high between the player and the team, they’ve found some common ground. Luiz is expected to rejoin training soon, with both parties focused on sorting out his situation promptly.
Potential Premier League Moves and Juventus’s Backup Plans
The buzz from English clubs might still sway Luiz toward a quick resolution. Even though he favors teams with greater stature and legacy, he could reconsider an option like Nottingham Forest, especially with their upcoming participation in European competitions. Additionally, there’s talk of interest from Leeds United, fresh off their promotion. Meanwhile, Juventus is proactively scouting for successors. Names like Tottenham‘s Yves Bissouma have surfaced as potential targets for a switch to Italy, and Franck Kessie, now at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, is being considered for a Serie A comeback. Recent transfer market trends, including a surge in midfielder deals valued over €30 million in 2023, underscore the high stakes involved in such negotiations.
