To recap, the agreement between the two clubs involved a paid loan of 3 million euros, with a mandatory purchase option of an additional 28.5 million euros, comprising both a fixed sum and bonuses. However, the crucial condition for activating this clause was the number of appearances: Luiz had to play at least 15 Premier League matches, each lasting a minimum of 45 minutes.
To date, the Brazilian has only accumulated five such appearances. This is far too few, and given that Nottingham continues to use him sparingly, the purchase option seems increasingly unrealistic. This situation has backfired on Juventus, who now need to react urgently. Club officials are considering a new strategy: recalling Douglas from his loan as early as January. This possibility becomes even more likely if negotiations between Forest and Inter for Davide Frattesi continue.
Juventus is aware that the 28.5 million euro deal is in jeopardy and is already working on finding a new solution, offering the player to other Premier League clubs where the Brazilian is still highly regarded. However, so far, no one has shown significant interest. The plan is to replicate the summer model – a loan with a conditional purchase. Unai Emery, who coached him at Aston Villa, still holds him in high esteem, and Luiz could be a good opportunity for many other mid-table clubs. The player himself recently expressed satisfaction with his return to England. “I had a very complicated year at Juventus, but finally I am well and happy,” he stated.
Return to Juventus Ruled Out
However, a return to the Juventus squad is out of the question.
Luiz's previous season in Italy can only be described as a major flop, and partly as one of football's great mysteries and transfer market enigmas. Douglas appeared to be a foreign body at Juventus, and the club never saw the version of the player he displayed in recent seasons in the Premier League, wearing the Aston Villa shirt.
Douglas Luiz arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2024 for 50 million. He made 27 appearances for Juventus, playing 877 minutes. Before that, he was a key player for Aston Villa and one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The Brazilian was valued at 70 million euros at Aston Villa, where he recorded 22 goals and 24 assists in 204 appearances.
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