Nottingham Forest’s move for Douglas Luiz was already proving difficult, but the latest update from Juventus’ side could see the Brazilian involved in a high-profile Premier League exit.
Forest’s interest in the 27-year-old is well known to date back to previous windows, with Forest wanting Luiz back in 2024 but choosing to push ahead with a deal for Elliot Anderson instead.
This summer, the signing is already looking complicated as Juventus need a replacement for Luiz before sanctioning his exit, meaning that the Reds may need to wait until the end of the transfer window to finally land their top target.
However, according to reports in Italy, Luiz could be set to slip through Forest’s fingers and into an ambitious ploy from Juventus to sign one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
Douglas Luiz participates in a training session with Juventus.
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
Douglas Luiz offered to Newcastle United in blockbuster deal
Reports have suggested that Liverpool and Tottenham are monitoring the Luiz situation, but it seems as if Forest are still the most serious party in the Luiz race.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian could well be offered to Newcastle United as Juventus plot a major move for Italian international Sandro Tonali.
The report claimed that Juventus are hoping to use Newcastle’s current striker woes to offload Dusan Vlahovic, with the possibility of presenting Luiz as an option as well to convince The Magpies to part ways with Tonali.
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Frustratingly, adding Tonali would be the perfect replacement that would allow Forest to push ahead with the Luiz signing, but only if Newcastle refuse to take the Brazilian as part of a deal.
However, it looks as if the Reds are prepared for any eventuality in regards to Luiz, with effort being put in behind the scenes for alternative options.
Nottingham Forest have back-up plans for Douglas Luiz
After Nuno Espírito Santo specifically requested Luiz to bolster his midfield, it would be disappointing to see him move elsewhere. However, as is the way with recruitment, Forest are working away in the background on alternative midfielders.
One option looked to be Southampton’s Portuguese star Mateus Fernandes, who would provide a similar level to Luiz going forward from the slightly deeper role.
However, Fernandes reportedly prefers a move abroad which could scupper negotiations before they have a chance to truly start up.
A more feasible deal to do could see AC Milan’s Yunus Musah arrive at the City Ground, with the Italian giants seemingly content to see the USA international depart. Forest have been in negotiations over Musah who is also wanted by Napoli, but he perhaps lacks the attacking quality of the other options.
All roads still seem to lead to Luiz, but at least the club have alternatives should the deal remain too difficult to finalise.