Douglas Luiz Back on Nottingham Forest’s Radar as Juventus Rift Deepens
Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Douglas Luiz is gaining momentum, with the club’s new sporting director, Edu Gaspar, playing a key role in rekindling interest in the Brazilian midfielder. This isn’t a fleeting interest; it’s a strategic move that signals Forest’s ambition to further bolster their midfield and continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League.
Edu’s connection with Luiz dates back to his time at Arsenal, where he attempted to bring the player to North London, albeit unsuccessfully. Now, with more influence and a clearer pathway at Forest, Edu is looking to finally land his man. Reports from TuttoSport suggest that Forest made a bid for Luiz in January, but Juventus rejected their advances, with the Italian club not yet willing to part with the player they had invested £28 million in, along with the promising talents of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling Jr. The total package was valued at £50 million, but the shine has since dulled on Luiz’s stint in Turin.
Luiz’s time at Juventus has been far from smooth, marred by injuries and tactical misalignment with coach Thiago Motta. Despite his strong performances at Aston Villa in the Premier League, which earned him a spot in the “Top 11” for the 2023/24 season, his time in Italy has been underwhelming. The Brazilian has been used sparingly, often finding himself on the bench. The lack of chemistry between him and Motta has led to doubts about his future in Turin.
As Luiz works to recover from a muscle injury, his focus is on regaining fitness for Juventus’ upcoming match against Genoa. However, with the club battling for a Champions League spot, it’s unclear whether Luiz will manage to earn a place in Motta’s plans. More likely, the summer transfer window will provide the opportunity for Luiz to reconsider his future, with Forest poised to make a move.
Forest’s interest in Luiz reflects their ambition to compete at the highest level. If they secure European football, Luiz could be the ideal player to help future-proof their midfield. Forest’s financial backing allows them to pursue structured deals, and negotiations have reportedly resumed with Luiz’s agent, Kia Joorabchian. A potential deal could see Forest land Luiz on an onerous loan with an obligation to buy, valued around £40 million.
At 26, Luiz remains a highly talented midfielder with a lot to offer. His blend of physicality, ball retention, and passing ability has been stifled by Juventus’ tactical setup. A return to the Premier League, where he previously thrived, could offer him the fresh start he needs. For Forest, signing Luiz would be a statement of intent as they aim to challenge for European spots and build a strong squad for the future.