Manchester United could do with more quality in the middle of the park, but the move has to make financial sense given INEOS’ current monetary problems.
Ruben Amorim’s first port of call is expected to be improving the attack, and unless Europa League success can be attained and big-name players can be shifted, not too much money is expected for midfield additions.
Forbes have now revealed that a low-cost option in the form of Juventus ace Douglas Luiz has just opened up with the Brazilian desperate to leave Turin.
The ex-Aston Villa ace was bought by the Bianconeri for 50 million last summer and he was expected to shine in Serie A.
Nightmare Italian spell for Luiz It has been nothing less than a disaster with the 26-year-old managing a meagre six starts in all competitions, completing 90 minutes only four times.
Injuries have not helped with the former Manchester City starlet picking up four separate muscle injuries. He was linked with a January move to Old Trafford but a deal failed to materialise.
Nottingham Forest and the Red Devils are expected to try their luck again, with the Brazil international currently being valued at 38 million and a cut-price exit could be on the cards.
“After a hugely disappointing season with Italian giants Juventus, it seems Douglas Luiz is headed back to the Premier League with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest both keen to sign him.
“Luiz seems as far as ever from the first team since the arrival of Igor Tudor. The system favoured by the new Coach appears to have no space for the Brazil native, who has played just four minutes since Thiago Motta was sacked.
“Spending three of his last four games as an unused substitute, Douglas Luiz looks set to leave Juventus this summer as Nottingham Forest or Manchester United seek to bring him back to the Premier League.”
United, Forest both eyeing him Juve were open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the winter, and if that door opens up again, it would suit INEOS perfectly. A swap deal with Joshua Zirkzee was also being discussed but those thoughts are unlikely to be entertained.
And Luiz has stated in the past that he favours a move to Old Trafford over Forest as he only wants to leave Turin for a big Premier League club like the 20-time English league champions or their noisy neighbours Manchester City.
Despite a horror season, the Brazilian was a superstar for Aston Villa under Unai Emery and there were talks of a 100 million bid from City.
He is Premier League-proven and excels as a defensive midfielder while he can also play further forward if needed, netting 10 goals and registering as many assists in his final season in England before his ill-fated Italian adventure.
Feature image Simone Alveda via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
