Leeds United distanced from Douglas Luiz after Aston Villa loan spell
Leeds United have reportedly moved on from interest in Brazil international Douglas Luiz.
The 28-year-old was linked with the Whites last year as he edged closer to the exit door at Juventus. He was instead loaned to Nottingham Forest, spending the first half of the season at the City Ground before switching to Aston Villa in January.
Neither loan spell proved particularly productive and he managed just 12 Premier League starts over the course of the campaign.
Douglas Luiz spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Aston Villa.placeholder image
Douglas Luiz spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Aston Villa. | Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Leeds United distanced from Douglas Luiz
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Leeds have been tipped to look elsewhere in the summer transfer window.
He told the Transfer Insider podcast: "Leeds were initially looking at him last summer before he made that move to Forest and then obviously Aston Villa. But I would be very surprised if Leeds were to rekindle their interest in Douglas Luiz.
"It was a disappointing time for him last year on loan at Forest, they sent him back to Juventus, then he went back to Aston Villa on loan in the second half of the season.
"He didn't play as many minutes as he hoped, so now he's back in Turin and he's at a bit of a crossroads in his career now, Douglas Luiz. I don't see Leeds being a landing spot for him last now, they've moved on from him and they'll be looking at other midfield targets rather than Luiz."
Douglas Luiz played a bit-part role in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph.placeholder image
Douglas Luiz played a bit-part role in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph. | David Davies/PA Wire
Leeds United’s central midfield department
Leeds are well-stocked on central midfielders, with manager Daniel Farke having Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff at his disposal.
All played a part in Leeds’ successful battle against relegation last season, with Ampadu and Stach being particularly influential.
It remains to be seen whether there are any departures from the central midfield department - and whether it is an area Leeds will look to strengthen.