In recent weeks, there has been speculation surrounding a potential reunion between Manchester City and their former midfielder, Douglas Luiz. According to reports from Calciomercato, Pep Guardiola’s side is keen to bolster their midfield, and Luiz—who previously struggled to establish himself at the Etihad—has emerged as a potential target for a summer move. With City looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons, the question is whether they can convince Luiz to return and whether they can get a deal across the line.
Douglas Luiz initially joined Manchester City in 2017 from Vasco da Gama, but his time at the club was not as fruitful as either the player or the club would have hoped. Luiz’s opportunities at the Etihad were limited, and he struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans. After a season of limited appearances, he was loaned out to Aston Villa in 2019, where his performances earned him a permanent move to the Midlands club.
At Villa, Luiz became a regular starter, cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders. His technical abilities, combined with his resilience in the middle of the park, helped Villa fight for survival in the Premier League. His progression at Villa was remarkable, and he quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing his ability to dominate midfield battles and contribute to both attack and defense.
However, Aston Villa, despite Luiz’s importance, found themselves in a financial position that necessitated a sale. In the summer of 2023, they sold Luiz to Juventus for €50 million, a decision that raised eyebrows but was understood given the club’s financial situation.
But Luiz’s time in Italy has not been as successful as his stint at Villa. At Juventus, he has struggled to find consistent form and has found himself on the periphery of the starting lineup. With only 15 appearances in Serie A and 479 minutes played so far this season, it is clear that Luiz has not been able to make the impact that Juventus had hoped for when they signed him. His limited involvement in Turin has led to speculation regarding his future, with reports suggesting that he could soon be on the move once again—this time back to the Premier League.
Despite his struggles in Italy, Douglas Luiz remains a player of considerable talent. Known for his technical ability and versatility, Luiz excels in anchoring the midfield with a combination of finesse, energy, and intelligence.
Ball Retention and Passing: Luiz has exceptional ball control and is adept at shielding the ball under pressure. His ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball efficiently is one of his key strengths. Whether it is through short passes or long-range switches, Luiz has the vision and precision to dictate the tempo of a match.
Defensive and Offensive Balance: While Luiz is more commonly associated with his work in midfield, he is also very capable defensively. He is tenacious in winning tackles and breaking up opposition attacks. However, he is not solely limited to defensive duties. Luiz is also comfortable pushing forward, contributing to attacks, and even scoring long-range goals. His maturity and understanding of the game allow him to transition seamlessly between these roles.
Set-Pieces: Another area where Luiz stands out is his proficiency in set-piece situations. He has demonstrated his ability to take free kicks and deliver precise crosses into the box, making him a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive set-piece situations.
Versatility: Luiz’s adaptability is a significant asset. He can play as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box presence, or even further forward, depending on the tactical needs of his team. This versatility makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add depth and flexibility to their midfield.
At 26 years old, Luiz is still in the prime of his career and possesses the qualities to be a top-tier midfielder in the Premier League. His blend of technical skill, defensive solidity, and attacking flair makes him a valuable asset for any club, and Manchester City would likely benefit from his inclusion in their ranks.
While Manchester City’s interest in Luiz is evident, they are not the only club vying for his signature. Newcastle United has emerged as a serious competitor for the Brazilian midfielder, and they are reportedly in discussions to bring him to St James’ Park.
What makes Newcastle’s bid particularly interesting is that they are rumored to be willing to offer Sandro Tonali in a swap deal for Luiz. Tonali, who has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League since his move to Newcastle, could be used as a bargaining chip to bring Luiz back to England. This offer could be an attractive proposition for Juventus, as it would allow them to get rid of a player who has not been performing while bringing in a highly regarded talent in Tonali, who could potentially thrive in Italy.
The price tag for Luiz is reportedly around €40 million or even less, given his lack of game time at Juventus this season. This is a more affordable price compared to his initial €50 million transfer fee from Villa to Juventus, and it could make him an appealing option for clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle United.
The potential for Douglas Luiz to return to Manchester City hinges on several factors. The first of which is his past experience at the club. Although Luiz showed promise during his brief time at City, his inability to secure a regular spot in Guardiola’s lineup could be a significant factor in his decision. The Brazilian midfielder’s previous spell at the Etihad was far from a glowing success, and he may be reluctant to return to a system where he struggled for minutes in the past.
However, there are compelling reasons for Luiz to consider a return. City is a club that remains at the top of English football, and their potential for continued success in both domestic and European competitions might appeal to Luiz. With Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and City’s current injury struggles, Luiz might be more likely to get a significant role in the squad this time around, especially if they strengthen their midfield further.
Additionally, Luiz’s experience in the Premier League would be a key asset for City. While his time at Villa was ultimately successful, he has experience in English football, and that familiarity could make the transition back to the league smoother. Given City’s current midfield injury concerns, Luiz could provide the much-needed depth in the center of the park.
While Douglas Luiz would add depth and quality to Manchester City’s midfield, the prospect of him returning is far from certain. His previous spell at the Etihad may cause some hesitation on both sides, and with competition from Newcastle United, City could face a battle to secure his services.
The player’s current struggles at Juventus could lower his price, but it also raises questions about his form and ability to succeed in a high-pressure environment like City. Ultimately, the decision will rest on Luiz’s willingness to return to a club where he previously struggled, and whether Manchester City can offer him the playing time and role he desires.
The summer transfer window will be crucial in determining whether this potential move materializes. With City’s interest genuine and competition from other clubs, fans will have to wait and see if Douglas Luiz will return to Manchester City, or if his future lies elsewhere.
