Latest developments
- Juventus have offered Douglas Luiz to Manchester City.
- The former Aston Villa man only moved to Turin in the summer.
- Juve have also spoken to Man Utd about offloading the Brazilian.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Gazzetta knows Italian sides inside-out
It is safe to say your transfer hasn't worked out when after less than half a season, your new club is offering you to anyone who might be interested.
That is the case for Douglas Luiz, as Juventus reportedly spoke to Man City this week about the Brazilian returning to England in January, according to leading Italian sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport.
Value (3.5/5): Juve want to cut their losses
After a stellar five years at Villa Park, Luiz moved to Juve for around £43 million. However, after just two starts and some muscle problems, The Old Lady have already decided things are not working out.
No exact fee has been mentioned but clearly Juve want a quick sale, with £20-£25 million – half what they paid in July – said to be their valuation, for a player whose Transfermarkt valuation has dropped from €70 million to €55 million since the summer.
Suitability (4/5): A “return” to the Etihad
It was City who first brought Luiz to Europe in 2017, but he never made a first-team appearance for the Cityzens and was instead loaned to Girona before heading to Aston Villa.
City clearly rated him before he proved himself in the Premier League, and the centre-midfielder who can also play for defensively has the ball-playing ability to work well in a Guardiola system.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): City need help in midfield
City's problems in terms of injuries and form have been plain for all to see, and Douglas Luiz can bring some much-needed quality in midfield. He may not be at Rodri's level, but who is?
Once Rodri returns to next season, the 26-year-old could realistically aim to be above of the fading Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne further forward.
Logic (4/5): Luiz failing upwards
Luiz may not be as keen to give up as Juventus appear to be, but it seems his days in Turin are numbered.
But there seems to be a chance of him going from Aston Villa, to two starts for Juventus, to starting for Manchester City in the space of half a season. Not bad for a failed move.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
If Man City admired Luiz enough to sign him in 2017, then a few underwhelming games in little shouldn't be enough to lose their interest now. With all their recent problems, a quality Premier League player looking to prove himself – available at half price – should be too good to refuse.
