Douglas Luiz is set to return to the Midlands.placeholder image
Douglas Luiz is set to return to the Midlands. | Getty Images
Aston Villa are set to recruit their former midfielder on a loan-to-buy deal despite reported interest from Chelsea.
Chelsea are set to miss out on the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this month with Premier League rivals Aston Villa now having managed a breakthrough.
The Villains have suffered an injury crisis in the centre of the park with Youri Tielemans now set for a spell on the sidelines alongside John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara with Ross Barkley still working his way back from a problem.
Aston Villa set to win Douglas Luiz transfer race
That temporary switch is now set to be cancelled in order to allow the player to return to Villa Park on a fresh loan, with Unai Emery’s side holding the option to buy. Luiz spent five years on the books at Villa Park between 2019 and 2024 before joining the Serie A outfit for £50 million.
During his previous time at Aston Villa, teammate John McGinn labelled the player as ‘world class’ as he racked up 204 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and picking up 25 assists. Luiz made 27 appearances across all competitions for Juventus last season but was deemed surplus to requirements this term and sent out on loan.
He has played 14 times for Nottingham Forest but never nailed down a place in the starting XI under Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou or Sean Dyche. Providing a fresh update on the player’s future on Tuesday afternoon, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Douglas Luiz to Aston Villa, here we go! The Brazilian midfielder is back at the club after talks revealed last week.
“Verbal agreement with Juventus over paid loan deal with buy option clause. Nottingham Forest send Luiz back to Juve and new loan to #AVFC.”
Andrey Santos stepping up for Chelsea
Romano had name-checked Chelsea as an interested party in an update earlier today after reports of interest began to circulate last week. Liam Rosenior deployed Andrey Santos alongside Moises Caicedo in the defensive midfield roles against Crystal Palace.
That was Santos’ first league start under Rosenior and the 21-year-old has impressed the new head coach, which may have had an influence on Chelsea’s pursuit of Luiz. Speaking about his relationship with Rosenior, Santos has said: "I knew Liam already, so it’s been important for me that he’s here. I’m so happy. He’s given me a lot of confidence, but it’s not only me, it’s to a lot of the other players as well. He wants every player to work hard and fight with an elite mentality to win games and trophies."
In other news, Chelsea 'eyeing' surprise move for Man Utd star who could become their next Thiago Silva.
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