Man-city Transfer: Douglas Luiz agrees to join Manchester City in an undisclosed fee

Man-city Transfer: Douglas Luiz agrees to join Manchester City in an undisclosed fee

 

Douglas Luiz, Rodri
Douglas Luiz is said to be the most likely Manchester City midfield signing
Paul Robinson and Stefan Borson have both endorsed Douglas Luiz for Manchester City, with the midfielder named the “most likely option” and he could create a “problem” when Rodri is back fit.

City are spending the final days of the January transfer window looking into a midfield signing. Having already added two centre-backs and a forward in the winter, a midfield addition is beckoning.

Rodri will likely miss the rest of the season, having already been sidelined for months with a knee injury, and Pep Guardiola is said to have told City he wants a player who can replace him.

Football finance expert Borson has explained that former Aston Villa man Luiz will likely be added to the side.

“I still think the most likely deal of all of them is that Juventus at the 11th hour accept that they can’t get a fee for Douglas Luiz and City sign him on what’s known as a dry loan these days, with no obligation to buy,” he told Football Insider.

Also speaking to Football Insider, Robinson detailed why Luiz would be a good asset both while Rodri is out, and why he could cause a positive headache once he’s back.

“It seems to be a no-brainer if that’s a position they want. He’s a player that knows the league and he’s a player of high quality. You look at the money that he left the country for,” Robinson said.

“He knows the Premier League which is the important thing. He’ll know that midfield role and he’s the perfect fit for it. He’d relish coming back to the Premier League in all honesty.

“Manchester City are not going to get any worse than they have been, they’re going to be on an upward curve from now on, so it’d be a really good time for him to join.

“Also, when Rodri does get back fit, he gives Pep another option because he can play with both of them. He’d give Pep a problem when Rodri was fit as to how to fit him into the team, because I think he’d be a really good signing for them.”

City are also putting in work to land Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who’s reportedly agreed to personal terms and told his club he wants to go to the Etihad.

Manchester City is actively pursuing midfield reinforcements, with Douglas Luiz emerging as a prominent target. The Brazilian midfielder, currently with Juventus, previously spent time with City between 2017 and 2019, though he didn’t make a first-team appearance due to work permit issues. His subsequent tenure at Aston Villa showcased his Premier League capabilities, making him an attractive prospect for City.

Luiz’s move to Juventus in the summer of 2024 has not gone as planned. He has struggled for regular playing time, accumulating only 16 appearances, many as a substitute, and has been hampered by injuries, including a recent hamstring issue. This lack of involvement has led to speculation about his future, with reports suggesting he is keen on a return to the Premier League.

Manchester City’s interest in Luiz is partly driven by a pressing need in the defensive midfield position. The team has faced challenges following a significant injury to Rodri, which has left a void in the squad. While City has been linked with other midfielders, such as Atalanta’s Éderson, Luiz presents a viable option, especially considering his familiarity with the Premier League.

Negotiations between City and Juventus are ongoing. City is reportedly interested in a six-month loan deal without an obligation to buy, providing flexibility to reassess in the summer. However, Juventus prefers a permanent transfer or a loan with a mandatory purchase clause. The Italian club’s stance is influenced by Luiz’s limited impact since his arrival and their desire to recoup some of their investment.

Financial considerations also play a role. Juventus acquired Luiz for £42.3 million, and while they are open to his departure, they aim to structure a deal that aligns with their valuation. Manchester City, having already invested £135 million in the January transfer