Douglas Luiz has emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Leeds United. But as time goes by, it’s looking more and more possible.
Leeds United fans want to see some ambition from Daniel Farke in the transfer market this summer, and with a potential deal for former Man City and Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, they’d get exactly that.
It’s been revealed in the last week or so that Leeds United are set to be offered Luiz, whose party is trying to plot his exit from Juventus this summer, just one year after joining from Aston Villa in a £42million move.
Then on Tuesday, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed how Luiz is set to leave Juventus this summer either way, opening the door on a potential move to Elland Road.
Already this summer, Leeds United have completed the signing of Lukas Nmecha, whilst further reports have revealed how Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Jaka Bijol from Juve’s Serie A rivals Udinese.
Douglas Luiz playing in a Premier League game for Aston Villa.
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Potential Douglas Luiz transfer fee revealed amid links to Leeds United
Having only signed last year, and on a contract until 2029, Juventus would understandably want to reclaim much of that £42million fee they initially paid for Luiz. But also understandable is that few teams would be keen on coughing up so much money given how he failed to impress last season.
Now though, an emerging report from Italian outlet Tutto Sport has now suggested that Juve could entertain the idea of a loan-to-buy deal for Luiz this summer. They write that Luiz could leave on loan and Juventus could insert just a €30million (£25.65million) obligation to buy the Brazilian international.
Leeds United have been linked with several midfielders so far this summer. But Whites fans on social media have really warmed to the idea of Luiz signing, viewing it as a real statement signing for the club upon their return to the Premier League.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe before a game.
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Douglas Luiz’s Juventus wages could be a sticking point for Leeds United
An obligation to buy Luiz could come with the caveat that, if Leeds United go on to beat the drop next season, then they’re obliged to sign him.
And given how Luiz has just endured a pretty rotten season in Italy, the move has its risks. But Luiz has Premier League pedigree and so there’s every chance that he returns to England, and gets back to his best.
But for Farke and the 49ers, Luiz’s reported £74,000-a-week wages (according to Salary Sport), could be an issue. The Leeds United players are set for pay rises following promotion and so £74,000-a-week might not be extortionate for the Whites, but it’s certainly a lot.
Though with the 49ers determined to establish Leeds United in the Premier League, these are the sort of costs that the club simply needs to bear now.