By LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 13:24 EST, 28 January 2026 | Updated: 13:31 EST, 28 January 2026
Aston Villa have confirmed the return of Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus until the end of the season.
The midfielder's loan to Nottingham Forest, where he has spent the first half of the season, has been cancelled.
Unai Emery's side will have the option to buy the 27-year-old Brazilian at the end of the season.
'Welcome home, Dougie,' the club wrote.
Luiz was wanted by Villa, Chelsea and clubs in La Liga but chose to return to the club he made 204 appearances between 2019 and 2024.
Villa sold him to Juventus for £42.5million in 2024 to help solve their profit and sustainability problems but he failed to break through in Turin.
Luiz arrives at one of the most exciting times in Villa's history, with the Midlans outfit in genuine contention for the Premier League title.
They sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal, having been propelled by a seven-game league winning streak which ended on December 30.
Villa took three points from their two matches against Arsenal and beat Manchester City 1-0 at home in October. Their reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium comes on the final day of the season.
Luiz was a pivotal part of the Villa side which finished fourth in 2023-24, though his move to Juventus means he did not get to enjoy Champions League football with the Villans.
More to follow.