Aston Villa are putting together one of their best campaigns in recent memory, as they currently sit second in the Premier League and could be just seven games away from their first major European honours in 42 years.
A huge part of their success this season has come in the form of central midfield commander Douglas Luiz, who has excelled in the centre of the park for the Midlands side. Not only has the Brazilian international put in countless top quality performances but he’s also added seven league goals, including four finishes via the penalty spot. His last two PL goals have also been decisive matchwinners from a 12-yard stare.
As a result, some of the biggest teams in Europe are now said to be interested in securing his services in January. Emery is unlikely to allow such a move at present, given Luiz’s importance to Villa, but that hasn’t deterred the Premier League’s elite, who are rumoured to be preparing some huge bids in order to snatch the 25-year-old away from Villa Park during this upcoming transfer window.
Douglas Luiz next club odds: Latest news
Since joining Aston Villa from Manchester City back in July 2019 for a fee of around £15 million, Luiz has enjoyed a steady rise with the club.
Although his playing time was limited at first, the Brazilian has now become arguably Villa’s most important player under Emery’s reign, operating in a role that no one else in their squad can to the same level. That’s mainly due to the fact that he’s one of the best ‘progressive midfielders’ in the English top-flight, capable of winning the ball and then starting attacks for his side.
His technical quality and all-round athleticism mean that as of mid-December 2023, he’s now appeared in 175 first team matches for the Villans, both scoring and assisting 18 times apiece in the process. Additionally, he’s reportedly settled and happy with the club at present, so in that regard, a move so soon doesn’t seem too likely to be pushed through by the player or his agent.
Douglas Luiz next club odds: Latest outrights
Liverpool – 6/1
At present, markets are being offered for two teams to sign Douglas Luiz this winter with both of those clubs playing in the Premier League and currently involved in a battle for the title. The first of those comes in the form of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who have performed to a very high standard so far and currently sit top of the standings after 20 league matches.
The Anfield side went through a huge rebuild in the summer, especially focused on the midfield with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai all joining for a combined fee of around £130 million.
Importantly, Aston Villa's midfield MVP plays a much more defensive-minded game than those three when he needs to. He also offers the ability to frequently break up play and win back possession for his side – two components that will have Klopp very interested in acquiring his services.
Arsenal – 9/1
The second side rumoured to be interested in signing Luiz this winter are Arsenal, who at 9/1 represent some slightly longer odds in this market, and therefore remain as the bookies’ long shot option to sign the Brazilian midfielder.
That shouldn’t surprise football fans too much as according to previous rumours, Mikel Arteta has long been voiced as one of Luiz’s biggest admirers in terms of managers. Over the past year in particular, the London side have supposedly made a number of attempts to bring the 25-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.
What is interesting, however, is that the Gunners spent a lot of money on redeveloping their midfield last summer, as evidenced by the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. And with the pair playing in a three alongside Martin Odegaard, it’d be interesting to see how Arteta could make it work if Luiz joins the club.
