🚨 The Breakdown: Douglas Luiz’s Turmoil at Juventus
On July 24, 2025, Douglas Luiz did not report for the first day of Juventus’s pre-season training at Continassa—a move widely regarded as a deliberate act of insubordination .
Juventus have confirmed they will pursue disciplinary action and the incident has effectively confirmed that Luiz’s time in Turin is coming to an end .
Luiz joined Juventus for approximately €50 million (~£42–45 million) last summer, but managed just 19 league appearances (~877 minutes) without any goals or assists in his first season .
🗂️ Juventus’s Stance & Transfer Expectations
Juventus have made it clear they want him gone and are open to negotiating either a loan with obligation or a permanent sale.
They’re understood to be seeking around £35‑40 million, potentially structured as £9 million now (loan fee) and £26 million next summer, though they’d prefer a straight-to-permanent arrangement depending on the buyer .
⚽ Nottingham Forest: Not Actively Chasing (…But Eyes Still on the Prize)
Despite fan anticipation and several prior links, Nottingham Forest are not actively pursuing Luiz at present, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey .
There remains interest in Luiz as a potential midfield reinforcement, especially given their Champions League qualification, but the size of the financial package and his high wages (~£138,000/week) are major obstacles .
Fans have voiced renewed excitement after his agent arrived in London, speculating on a potential loan plus obligation deal that might make him more viable for Forest financially .
🔴 Manchester United: The Likely Destination
Manchester United have reignited their interest, having been offered Luiz in January. With a stronger pull than other clubs, they remain the front-runners .
United’s pulling power is clear: they have already signed big names like Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£65m) this summer .
Their preference leans toward a loan deal initially—likely with obligation to buy—to navigate Financial Fair Play constraints, while Juventus may agree to that structure .
Support from Fan Sentiment
Fans and commentators on Reddit forums have highlighted Luiz as a viable rotation midfield option at United, praising his Premier League experience and flexibility .
⚖️ Transfer Landscape: Who’s Still in the Running?
Clubs Expressing Interest:
West Ham and Everton remain in talks for Luiz. Media outlets suggest they’re as actively monitoring as Forest, but Luiz is apparently uninterested in their offers so far .
Aston Villa retain a contractual option to re-sign him but appear to have no real intention of doing so this summer .
AC Milan have emerged as betting odds favourites, mainly due to his Serie A experience and the possibility that a move within Italy might be simpler to negotiate .
📋 Summary Table: Status by Club
Club Position on Luiz Deal
Nottingham Forest Previously linked, but not actively pursuing at the moment; wage and fee issues make it difficult
Manchester United Active interest; agreed to pursue loan + obligation structure; considered favourites
West Ham / Everton Monitoring interests, but Luiz reportedly not enthused by their bids
Aston Villa Option available but no serious pursuit
AC Milan Betting market favourite; Serie A familiarity could be a selling point
🌟 Why Manchester United Seem Like the Ideal Fit
- Luiz wants a return to the Premier League where he thrived (e.g. Aston Villa contributions) .
- United have the financial firepower and European platform he yearns for, unlike mid-table alternatives.
- Tactical and rotational value: Luiz offers enough versatility to slot alongside players like Ugarte, Mainoo or potentially Anderson, providing depth and experience.
- Juventus are eager to move him and United appear the most likely to meet their financial and structural terms.
✅ Conclusion: Road Ahead for Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz’s defiance at Juventus has confirmed his imminent departure from Italy.
While Forest remain in the background as a possible late candidate—especially if a cost-effective loan deal emerges—it’s unlikely they will challenge United’s headstart.
Manchester United appear best placed to land Luiz, fitting both the player’s ambitions and Juventus’s immediate financial needs.
West Ham and Everton remain watchers, but Luiz’s apparent disinterest in their moves makes them long shots unless circumstances change.
A move to AC Milan is not yet ruled out but remains a less compelling storyline relative to a Premier League return.