Report: Nottingham Forest eye £40m move for Juventus midfielder
Douglas Luiz Back on Nottingham Forest’s Radar as Juve Rift Deepens
Edu’s Long Game with Luiz
Douglas Luiz is more than just a passing fad for Nottingham Forest. New sporting director Edu Gaspar, who has admired the Brazilian since his time at Arsenal, is leading the strategic chase. Edu made an unsuccessful attempt to get Luiz to North London at that time. Now that Forest has more influence and a more obvious path,
According to TuttoSport, Forest had already made an approach to Juventus during the January transfer window but was denied. Juventus had spent a significant amount of money at the time on the promising duo of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling Jr., totalling £28 million, and they weren’t prepared to part with the player. According to reports, the entire package was worth £50 million. However, the fissures are visible and the lustre has faded.
Due to tactical mismatches and muscular ailments, Luiz’s tenure at Juventus has been characterised by disappointment. According to the paper, “so much so that many insiders have already branded the 1998 class as a flop.”
Motta’s Cold Shoulder and Tactical Misfit
Lack of chemistry with Juventus manager Thiago Motta seems to be the root of the problem. Luiz has seen little action from preseason to spring, frequently sitting on the bench. This is in spite of the fact that he was named in the “Top 11” of the 2023–24 Premier League, a distinction he gained during an exceptional season at Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
According to TuttoSport, “the relationship between the Juventus coach and one of the major acquisitions of the transfer campaign… has never blossomed.” Being marginalised has not benefited Luiz, a player who feeds on confidence and rhythm.
His immediate objective as he recovers from his injury is to be ready for the match against Genoa. It’s unclear if he can persuade Motta in time for a Champions League run. More likely, this summer will bring considerable introspection and possibly even a move.
The Champions League Ambition of Forest
It’s not simply passionate reunions and savvy purchasing that drive Forest to pursue Luiz. It conveys meaning. Edu wants to have players who can set the pace and elevate the game in order to future-proof the midfield. Luiz might play a significant role in ushering in a new era if Forest manages to secure European football.
With Kia Joorabchian, Luiz’s agent and a crucial intermediary in this planned transaction, negotiations have discreetly resumed. According to TuttoSport, “the satisfactory landing point for everyone could be that of an onerous loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions.”
Forest, who have strong financial support, consider it as a worthy investment, whereas Juventus, who are eager to avoid incurring a capital loss, value it at about £40 million. A structured agreement might work for everyone.
Why Douglas Luiz Still Matters
Luiz is still a very talented player. He was previously targeted as a midfield general due to his combination of physical presence, ball retention, and incisive passing. Poor timing and tactical misalignment have masked that profile, but it hasn’t disappeared.
Luiz is still in his prime at age 26. He might get the fresh start he needs by rejoining the Premier League in a system that believes in him. In addition to acquiring a technically proficient midfield player, Forest would also acquire a player with the will to disprove others.
“Douglas does not accept [the flop label] and is having a hard time digesting [it]. For this reason he is working intensely to recover from the muscle injury,” TuttoSport noted.
Luiz’s Italian adventure may soon come to an end. Nottingham Forest might be the perfect place for his comeback because of its subtle ambition and clever management.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From the standpoint of a Forest supporter, this possible transfer seems noteworthy for both its symbolism and ambition. The team has changed from fighting for relegation to becoming a contender with an eye towards Europe. Adding a player like Douglas Luiz would demonstrate that Forest is creating rather than just existing in the Premier League.
Naturally, there will be scepticism. Why sign a player who is considered surplus at Juventus, one could wonder? However, context is the key to the solution. It is not a quality issue; Luiz did not fit Motta’s arrangement. At Villa, he demonstrated his abilities by dominating games, scoring important goals, and working hard. It takes time for him to lose his elite status from the previous season.
Edu is completely familiar with his profile and would never pursue him again without complete assurance. Because it is based on time, trust, and tactical clarity, it feels like a reunion waiting to happen. This could be one of the best summer window strategies if Forest can pull it off.
