Key Takeaways:
- Douglas Luiz has reached a five-year contract agreement with Nottingham Forest at circa €6 million per season.
- Juventus and Nottingham Forest are finalising terms for a permanent transfer valued just above €30 million, below the originally sought €40 million threshold.
- Juventus plan to reinvest the proceeds in a new midfielder, with O’Riley, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Franck Kessié among the leading options.
Douglas Luiz Set for Premier League Return
Negotiations remain active between Nottingham Forest and Juventus as Douglas Luiz prepares for a move back to the Premier League. The Brazilian midfielder, having previously featured for Aston Villa, reached an agreement several weeks ago on a five-year deal with Forest, offering improved terms over his current salary in Turin—approximately €6 million per season. The clubs are still haggling over both the transfer fee and payment structure, with discussions centring on a sum just above €30 million. This figure notably falls short of the €40 million Juventus would require to avoid a financial loss on the transaction, but Forest are seeking a permanent switch, whether through an immediate payment or an obligation to purchase.
Luiz’s tenure at Juventus has ended in disappointing fashion; he was never selected to start two consecutive official matches and struggled to establish himself in the squad. One year after joining, his return to English football now appears imminent, with further updates on the deal expected within hours.
| Player | Current Club | Potential Club | Agreed Contract | Expected Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Luiz | Juventus | Nottingham Forest | 5 years, ~€6 million per season | Just over €30 million |
Juventus’ Midfield Search Intensifies
With Douglas Luiz on the verge of departure, Juventus are focused on strengthening their midfield. Matt O’Riley has emerged as a serious candidate, after being proposed one month ago and subsequently rising up the club’s shortlist. However, Juventus face a stumbling block: Brighton are only prepared to sanction a permanent transfer, declining loan options. Furthermore, O’Riley was acquired last summer for nearly €30 million, making him a costly target, and Juventus would likely need to direct the entire proceeds from Luiz’s sale towards any purchase.
Juventus are also considering Carney Chukwuemeka, but Chelsea have already turned down a loan with obligation to buy from Borussia Dortmund valued at around €15 million, instead requesting approximately €22 million plus a sell-on clause. This is despite Chukwuemeka not featuring in Enzo Maresca’s current plans.
Another name still under consideration is Franck Kessié, yet before any move can take place, he must secure a contract termination agreement with his current club, Al Ahli.
