REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
After an early flurry saw Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George arrive, Everton are beginning to kickstart their transfer window as deadline day fast approaches.
The Toffees have less than a month left to welcome reinforcements and after getting Christian Norgaard over the line, they've got their sights set on Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian has somewhat lost his way over the last 18 months, failing to find his form ever since leaving Aston Villa on a permanent basis. His time away from Villa Park can be summed up by the fact that he found himself back on loan at the club last season, only for his struggles to continue.
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Douglas Luiz's struggle for form Season How things went
Juventus 2024/25 Disappointing. Signed from Villa for around €50m plus add-ons and was expected to become a key midfielder. However, fitness problems and a lack of trust from Thiago Motta limited his impact. He finished the season without a goal or assist in 27 appearances.
Nottingham Forest (loan) 2025/26 – first half Struggled again. Joined Forest on a season-long loan but failed to establish himself as a regular. Injuries disrupted his spell, including a hamstring problem, and Forest ultimately ended the loan early in January.
Aston Villa (loan) 2025/26 – second half Underwhelming return. Returned to Villa in January but couldn't recapture the form that had made him one of their key players before leaving. Villa had an option to buy him permanently but did not take it.
Juventus 2026/27 Second chance. Returned to Turin after his two loan spells. He has started all three of Juventus' 2026 pre-season friendlies and shown encouraging signs under Luciano Spalletti.
It's a crucial season for Luiz if he wants to get back on track. He's on a path towards redemption and the next stop could feature a move to the Hill Dickinson.
Everton launch direct contact to sign Douglas Luiz
REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have launched a direct approach to sign Luiz - making contact with his representatives.
The Toffees, seemingly after one more midfield reinforcement after Norgaard, are looking to offer the South American a path back to the Premier League once again. Luiz, however, has reportedly turned the Merseyside club down and has publicly outlined his intention to stay at Juventus this summer.
"The work done over the last three weeks is making me understand things and allowing me to grow in training and in matches. I’m becoming convinced that I can stay at this club."
It's a blow for Everton, especially when considering the revived form that Luiz has shown during Juventus' pre-season. He's showing all signs that he can once again become the player that was dubbed "unbelievable" by ex-Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie.
With less than a month to go until the window slams shut, those on Merseyside must now turn their attention towards other top targets like Pavel Sulc and Liam Delap.