Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder who left Aston Villa for Juventus in the summer, may be on his way back to the Premier League just months after making the high-profile move to Serie A. Despite his transfer to Juventus, Luiz has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI under manager Thiago Motta, having started only four matches across all competitions this season.
As the January transfer window remains open, rumors have intensified about Luiz’s potential return to England. Aston Villa has been linked with a loan move for their former player, where he enjoyed a successful five-year stint, becoming a fan favorite. However, the most surprising twist in this saga comes with Chelsea reportedly entering the race to sign Luiz.
Since joining Juventus, Luiz has found his opportunities limited. Despite the club’s undefeated record in Serie A, they have been far from dominant, sitting in fifth place with just eight wins and a staggering 13 draws from their 21 league games. This underperformance may be part of the reason Luiz has not been able to break into the starting lineup consistently, despite his talents and past success in the Premier League. With only 550 minutes of action under his belt this season, Luiz has not had the chance to showcase his abilities at the level he had hoped when making the move to Turin.
Chelsea’s reported interest in Luiz is intriguing, considering the midfielder’s connections to the Premier League. The London club has reportedly initiated discussions with Juventus about securing Luiz’s services, potentially on a loan deal. Chelsea is no stranger to making bold moves in the transfer market, and Luiz’s Premier League experience could be an attractive proposition for the Blues, who are seeking to bolster their midfield options.
This interest from Chelsea could mark a dramatic twist in the saga of Luiz’s career. In 2022, Arsenal made multiple attempts to sign him from Villa, even placing three bids on Deadline Day, with the highest offer being £25 million. Those bids were rebuffed by Villa’s then-manager Steven Gerrard, who was determined to hold on to Luiz. Now, with Luiz’s future uncertain at Juventus, the possibility of a return to the Premier League could be on the horizon, albeit with a different club.
During his time at Aston Villa, Luiz formed a strong bond with the club, and he expressed deep affection for both the team and the fans. After signing a “long-term” deal with Villa, Luiz made it clear that he was happy to remain at the club, stating, “I’m so happy. I love this club. This club opened the door for me when I came to England to play in the Premier League. I’m so comfortable here, and I’m so happy.”
His connection to Villa was evident when he chose to stay, despite interest from bigger clubs like Arsenal. This bond could make a potential loan move back to Villa Park particularly appealing. However, Chelsea’s sudden interest in Luiz could add an element of competition, as the midfielder’s future is now uncertain.
As the January window progresses, Luiz will need to weigh his options carefully. The chance to return to the Premier League and play for either Chelsea or Villa offers him a chance to reignite his career in England. For Juventus, a loan move might make sense given Luiz’s limited involvement this season, and they may be open to allowing him to return to the Premier League for more playing time.
Given the struggles Luiz has faced in Italy, a move back to England could provide him with the stability and regular minutes he needs to regain his form. Whether he will choose Chelsea, a direct rival to his former club Villa, or return to the place where he felt most at home remains to be seen.
Douglas Luiz’s potential return to the Premier League, after a challenging start to life at Juventus, is now a very real possibility. Chelsea’s interest, combined with Villa’s previous admiration for the midfielder, has opened up a new chapter in Luiz’s career. While Juventus may still hold onto him for now, Luiz may be tempted by a fresh start back in England. Whether that is with Chelsea, his surprise suitor, or a return to Aston Villa, remains to be seen. Regardless, it’s clear that the midfielder’s time at Juventus may be shorter than expected.
