Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, with multiple sources in Italy suggesting the Premier League club are well-positioned to secure his services ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old joined Juventus in a high-profile €50 million move from Aston Villa last year but has endured a frustrating debut season in Turin.
With Forest pushing for Champions League qualification and boasting the financial firepower to match Juventus’ demands, the Brazilian could be set for a swift return to the Premier League.
Why Douglas Luiz Has Struggled at Juventus
Expectations were high when Douglas Luiz arrived at Juventus last summer in a deal that also saw Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea head to Aston Villa in separate transfers.
Luiz was coming off a stellar 2022–23 season, having been named Aston Villa’s Player of the Year, and was expected to play a key role in the Bianconeri midfield.
Instead, he’s started just three league matches, with his total Serie A appearances limited to 16, largely due to recurring muscle issues and inconsistent selection under both Thiago Motta and current manager Igor Tudor.
Across all competitions, Luiz has clocked less than 800 minutes—a stark contrast to the 4,353 minutes he played during his final season in England.
Luiz recently expressed his frustration on social media, questioning why a signing of his calibre had not started two consecutive games for Juventus, stating, “Why hasn’t a signing like me played two consecutive matches with this shirt?”
Nottingham Forest Favourites To Sign Douglas Luiz
According to Tuttosport, Forest are currently the best-positioned club to land Luiz. Two key factors are driving the Premier League side’s strong interest:
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Direct contact with Juventus – Forest’s sporting director Edu Gaspar has already initiated discussions with the Serie A giants, and the club are willing to meet Juventus’ valuation.
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Appealing project – With Champions League qualification now within reach, Forest offer a competitive environment that reportedly appeals to Luiz, who is eager to revive his career at the highest level.
Will Douglas Luiz Return to the Premier League?
Luiz has been linked with a return to England ever since his difficulties in Italy began. While Manchester City and Arsenal were previously mentioned, Nottingham Forest’s emergence as a serious contender has shifted the conversation.
A move to the City Ground would not only offer Luiz the chance to become a central figure in midfield again, but also allow him to return to a league where he once thrived.
Luiz’s Personal Life in the Headlines
Douglas Luiz’s name has also been in the headlines off the pitch. Luiz has split up with Alisha Lehmann – his long-term partner and Swiss footballer for Juventus Women.
Both Luiz and Lehmann are reportedly looking to pursue different futures in separate leagues.
Ultimately, with another summer of change likely ahead at Juventus, Luiz appears poised to move on—and Nottingham Forest look ready to offer him a fresh start. If a deal materialises, the Brazilian could become a marquee addition for a Forest side on the rise.
