Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, with Ligue 1 side Lyon emerging as a potential destination, according to reports in Tuttosport. The Brazilian’s performances in pre-season friendlies have been described as “balneare” – a term suggesting a lack of intensity – raising concerns about his suitability for coach Luciano Spalletti’s plans.
Luiz started in Juventus’ recent friendly against Liege, but failed to significantly impact the game, continuing a trend from previous appearances. The report suggests the club is not convinced by his current level of performance, despite acknowledging his technical ability. Juventus are reportedly seeking to improve the tempo of their play and are questioning whether Luiz can provide the necessary dynamism in midfield.
Juventus are actively exploring options to strengthen their squad, with goalkeeper signings being prioritised. The club is considering both Suzuki and Vicario as potential replacements, while the future of current goalkeeper Dibu Martinez remains uncertain. Mattia Perin has impressed in pre-season, outperforming Luiz and further complicating the midfield situation.
Alongside Luiz, other potential departures from Juventus include Openda, who is expected to join Lyon, and Joao Mario, who could move to Fiorentina. Juventus are aware of the need to balance quality with quantity in midfield, and Spalletti believes that a lack of physical presence could become a problem if the team relies too heavily on technical skill. The club is therefore open to allowing Luiz to depart if a suitable offer arrives, despite his undoubted talent.
