Douglas Luiz of Juventus
Douglas Luiz of Juventus
Midfielder Douglas Luiz was only sold by Aston Villa a year ago, but already he could be lined up for an instant return to the Premier League. Luiz left this time last year, for Serie A side Juventus, a sale Villa made to ensure they remained within the PSR parameters.
The Brazilian, who had spent five seasons at Villa Park and who had helped them secure Champions League football last year, was a fan favourite but was permitted to leave in order to raise funds to keep at bay any sanctions the club were at risk of. Luiz's sale raised around £40m, while Villa also completed transactions for Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea.
Things haven't really gone according to plan in Luiz's first season in Italy, by his own admission; he made just 27 appearances in all competitions - Juve played 50 games - and he started only three Serie A matches across the entire campaign. A player renowned for being a goalscoring threat at Villa, Luiz didn't make a single goal contribution last year.
Currently away playing in the Club World Cup - Luiz played 45 minutes as Juve beat Al-Ain 5-0 in the early hours of Thursday morning - it's now being reported that newly promoted Leeds United are eager to offer Luiz the opportunity to make a return to England and the Premier League this summer.
The 18-time capped international, 27, is of interest to Leeds, reports Tuttosport, and that Juve are open to letting the midfielder go in this window. Luiz himself, it's claimed, has been left unsure of his own long-term future in Turin despite the fact he still has four years remaining on his contract.
While Leeds aren't keen on forking out what Juve paid Villa 12 months ago, a potential compromise could be reached whereby Leeds loan him for next season and then agree to an obligation to buy next summer, when Juve's Luiz balance sheet is more reasonable. At the moment, they're facing making a notable loss otherwise.
Would you bring Luiz back this summer? Have your say HERE
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