Juventus are considering a potential move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, despite previously deeming him surplus to requirements. The club had hoped to secure a €25 million sale for the Brazilian, but new manager Massimiliano Spalletti may have alternative plans, according to reports from Italian journalist sources.
Luiz initially joined Juventus in the summer of 2024 under the direction of then-sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, representing the club's first investment of that window. However, a series of injuries hampered his progress in Turin, preventing him from establishing himself as a key player and leading to him being excluded from the first-team plans when Igor Tudor was in charge. He subsequently moved on loan to Aston Villa.
While his loan spell at Aston Villa has shown signs of improvement, with Luiz displaying better form and fitness, there is no guarantee that the Birmingham club will exercise their €25 million option to buy. The player himself is reportedly keen to remain at Villa, but Juventus are reassessing their options in midfield ahead of the new season.
Spalletti is seeking a regista – a deep-lying playmaker – to control the tempo of the game, and Luiz’s characteristics align with the profile the coach is looking for. Juventus’s primary focus remains securing Champions League qualification, which will provide greater financial flexibility in the transfer market. Once European football is secured, Spalletti will discuss potential reinforcements with the club hierarchy.
Juventus acknowledge that they may not be able to address all of their squad needs in one window, making a familiar and potentially cost-effective option like Luiz more appealing. Spalletti may choose to evaluate Luiz during pre-season training before making a final decision, unless the club can secure an immediate sale. The situation remains fluid, dependent on both Aston Villa’s intentions and Spalletti’s assessment.
