Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as future of on-loan Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is in doubt
11:54, 17 Dec 2025
Douglas Luiz in action for Nottingham Forest against Utrecht
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Douglas Luiz in action for Nottingham Forest against Utrecht(Image: Getty)
Nottingham Forest are ‘unlikely’ to activate their option to sign midfielder Douglas Luiz, it has been claimed.
The 27-year-old is on a season-long loan at the City Ground from Juventus and has made nine appearances so far. His move could become a permanent one in the summer as his deal includes a conditional obligation to buy for the Reds.
Reports have suggested that making 15 Premier League appearances of 45 minutes or more would trigger the clause in Luiz’s Forest contract. Five of his outings for the club to date have come in the league.
According to TEAMtalk, the Brazilian is ‘not a firm part’ of head coach Sean Dyche’s plans and his future Trentside is uncertain. The next month-and-a-half will reportedly be ‘crucial’ in determining what happens next for Luiz as he aims to impress.
It is claimed Dyche ‘is far from convinced’ over whether the Reds should take on the player permanently. As a result, ‘serious doubts’ have emerged over his future at the club and it is ‘likely’ he will return to Juve in the summer.
Forest would reportedly need to shell out €25 million (£22m) for Luiz, if the option to sign him comes into effect. With Dyche’s midfield options having taken a hit, the Reds boss may have to walk a tricky tightrope with the player over the coming weeks and months.
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Ibrahim Sangare has now joined up with Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ryan Yates is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Nicolas Dominguez missed Sunday’s win over Tottenham Hotspur with a knee problem but it is hoped he will be available for next Monday’s trip to Fulham.
With his future up in the air, Luiz is reportedly prepared to seek out an alternative long-term option. He is said to be keen to remain in the Premier League, given his time in Italy since his switch from Aston Villa has not worked out as hoped.
Injuries have hampered Luiz during his spell at Forest. After more than a month sidelined with a hamstring issue, he made his comeback in last Thursday’s Europa League success over Utrecht.
Given how the Reds suddenly look a little short of numbers in the centre of the pitch, it could be an area they seek to bolster next month. Dyche has given little away about January transfer plans, though.
"The way that I've worked at every other club, it should be an ongoing situation,” he said last week when quizzed on whether injuries would have an impact on winter window business. “And since I've been here, they (the club’s hierarchy) have always been talking to me about what we're looking at - what do we need, what is the injury situation, who is going to get through, who's not going to get through, who can come in, who can go out, all these different things.
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"That should be an ongoing business, and it is at this football club. And I'm happy with that because in my opinion, that's what it should be."
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