Another ex-Aston Villa player is poised for an emotional return to Villa Park following Tammy Abraham's confirmed move back for £18million, and he will certainly fill a void in the side for Unai Emery
Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz has struggled for consistency at Nottingham Forest this season(Image: Getty Images)
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Midfielder Douglas Luiz is set to be the next ex-player on their way back to Villa Park, with Aston Villa in active talks with his parent club - and some fans in the Birmingham Live comments section say that bringing back Luiz would be the ideal solution to the club's current problems.
Luiz left Villa in 2024, heading to Juventus for around €50million (£42.5m) after the club decided to sell him to address their financial regulations issues. He didn't make a splash at Juve, and a subsequent loan to a turbulent Nottingham Forest this season has not seen him handed much playing time either.
Villa are in the process of bringing him back from Juventus on loan, which will involve terminating his deal at Forest.
Unai Emery is currently grappling with a slew of injuries in the middle of the pitch, with the absences of Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Ross Barkley and John McGinn severely limiting his options as Villa challenge for the Premier League title.
Once a deal is finalised, Luiz will be the second fan favourite back at Villa Park this month, after Tammy Abraham's £18million transfer brought back a man who was instrumental in Villa's promotion to the Premier League.
Some fans would be more than happy with a return for Luiz. Reader Ansellsvillaman says: "Bring him home. He knows Unai, he knows the way we play. Perfect considering the possible long-term injuries. If he rises to the occasion, make it permanent."
Commenter Amymayman writes: "Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham back at Villa Park, not a bad move. Emery never wanted to sell Luiz in the first place. Both can do a job for us and in positions where we need help. I must say I always loved Luiz, and would be glad to have him back, quality player. And Tammy will offer something different up front."
Villa1 says: "Douglas Luiz was a good player for us, the fans liked him as well, so if he wants to come back & Villa want to bring him back, it would suit everyone."
Tammy Abraham of Besiktas looks on during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Besiktas JK and Kayserispor at Tupras Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey
Tammy Abraham has moved back to Aston Villa(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Mikecoolruler writes: "Its a no-brainer for us, and a lifeline for Dougie, who has slipped down the pecking order first at Juve then Forest. In a World Cup year, who knows what Emery said to Luiz, you can only guess?
"More reports emerging around Omar Marmoush being available for a half season loan contract... It's clear this club has no interest in pulling out excuses, or lamenting about injuries. Emery and his management team just get the job done in an especially challenging situation with financial restrictions."
Chosen in 1957 says: "As we've seen with Emi Buendia, a return to Villa Park is a pathway to even better performance levels. Dougie is also a top class player who Unai knows so well, and he can also do the same with him. The fans' respect was also shown when we played Forest at Villa Park, and he responded so well to that applause."
Villaman adds: "If the money is right... then this is an absolute no-brainer. Emery will get him back up to speed in no time."
Using the comments section below, tell us if going back in for familiar ex-players is the route to success for Aston Villa.