Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Douglas Luiz is the perfect option for Man Utd to accept Jadon Sancho exit.
Manchester United and the transfer window often presents the club with a clear problem known as 'United tax'. Nearly every deal that the Reds are involved in sees that hike applied, and it often proves difficult.
The term 'United tax' sees the selling clubs attempt to squeeze millions out of them whenever interest is shown. History says that, at times, United have refused to meet the club's demand and eventually caved to overpay.
Antony's famous move from Ajax in 2022 is a high-profile one. After refusing to meet the Dutch side's valuation of the winger, United returned in the latter stages of the window and paid more than they had previously demanded.
There are fears that Brentford are maybe utilising the method to get the most of United for Bryan Mbeumo. After rejecting two bids already, Ruben Amorim's squad now face either paying £65million for the 25-year-old or moving on for other targets.
However, in a market where form and stats dictate the price tag, United have been presented with an opportunity to avoid the 'United tax' while selling one of their unwanted players.
Juventus are said to have offered three players in a bid to sign Jadon Sancho this summer. The forward is among the list of players the club are desperate to sell - after Chelsea paid a £5million penalty to avoid signing him on a permanent deal.
Sancho has been strongly tipped to move to Italy - with a potential switch to Fenerbahce now falling on deaf ears. United are thought to want around £25million for the England winger, but his reported £250,000-a-week salary has perhaps been the biggest stumbling block in an exit.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Juventus are determined to snap-up Sancho and have presented three players as options for United to consider. Dusan Vlahovic, Douglas Luiz and Timothy Weah have all been 'offered' and there's a no-brainer of a selection.
Jadon Sancho faces an uncertain future at Man Utd after leaving Chelsea. (Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Midfield isn't necessarily an issue for Amorim right now, especially considering the club's alarming issues in attack. But there's question marks over Manuel Ugarte's consistency to perform in the Premier League, certainly in games that United are expected to control.
Luiz is a player that isn't new to supporters having impressed with Aston Villa. Since moving to Italy, he hs been mentioned as a possible target for United and a number of Premier League teams. If he is an option on the table, getting rid of Sancho for him would be superb business.
It's difficult to compare Luiz's numbers to Ugarte for the 2024/25 season as he only started six games for Juventus. His final season for Villa, where he started 49 of his 53 games, was Luiz at his best and it's clear to see why so many clubs wanted him.
Compared to Ugarte, who played six games less than Luiz in all competitions, the Brazilian boasts some impressive numbers. He completed over 1,200 more passes than the United midfielder, provided more assists, completed more key passes, successfully achieved more passes into the final third, and caused much more of a threat going forward.
Statistics from FBREF show that Luiz had 152 shot-creating actions compared to Ugarte's 43 and 15 goal-creating actions in comparison to just nine for the Uruguay international. Defensively, Ugarte's grittiness showed with him tackling 100 players compared to Luiz's 72, but the then-Villa player did complete more (13 compared to 12) in the attacking third of the pitch.
All statistics point towards Luiz being better on the ball, also. One touch, according to FBREF, is receiving a pass, then dribbling and then passing, rather than the dozen of touches during that one play. Luiz achieved 3,069 compared to Ugarte's 1,632, which is expected with him playing more games, but the areas of the pitch these touches were made is what swung it Luiz's way.
Douglas Luiz was one of the best-performing midfielders at Aston Villa. (Image: Getty Images)
In his side's defensive penalty area, Ugarte had 16 more touches but in the defensive third, midfield third and attacking third, Luiz came out on top. A solid, defensive midfielder with excellent ball-carrying attributes who's capable of playing in all sections of the pitch.
Much has been made of United's inability to get players off their books and, as a result, failing to bring in players that strengthen the current squad. A deal to sign Luiz, improving Amorim's midfield options, and solving Sancho's exit saga would be one of the best pieces of business this summer.
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