Quick Read
- Aston Villa has verbally agreed to re-sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus.
- The deal includes an option to buy the midfielder permanently in the summer.
- Luiz’s current loan spell at Nottingham Forest must be terminated for the move to proceed.
- Villa is facing a severe midfield injury crisis with Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans sidelined.
- Luiz previously played for Aston Villa from 2019 to 2024, making over 200 appearances.
BIRMINGHAM (Azat TV) – Aston Villa has verbally agreed a deal to re-sign Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus, a critical move that addresses the club’s pressing injury crisis in the midfield and sees the 27-year-old return to Villa Park over other interested clubs like Chelsea. The agreement, reported on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, includes an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer, pending the termination of his current loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
The return of Luiz comes at a crucial time for Unai Emery’s side, who are currently third in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester City, and progressing well in both the Europa League and FA Cup. The club has been grappling with a significant shortage of key players in the central midfield, making reinforcements a top priority for the January transfer window.
Villa’s Midfield Emergency Prompts Swift Action
Aston Villa’s urgent need for midfield depth has been a primary driver behind the pursuit of Douglas Luiz. The club has been hit by a wave of serious injuries to pivotal players. Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, a significant blow to Villa’s defensive midfield options. Adding to their woes, captain John McGinn is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, and Youri Tielemans sustained an ankle injury during their recent victory against Newcastle United on Sunday, which will also see him miss an extended period of play. These absences have left the squad severely depleted, necessitating immediate action in the transfer market.
The verbal agreement between Aston Villa and Juventus marks a swift resolution to Villa’s midfield dilemma. According to Sky Sports, the deal will see Luiz join on loan with an option to buy, with any permanent transfer reportedly costing Villa only a fraction of the £43 million (€50 million) they received when he initially moved to Juventus in June 2024. For the deal to be fully finalized, Nottingham Forest must agree to terminate Luiz’s current season-long loan.
Luiz’s Path Back to Villa Park
Douglas Luiz’s journey back to Aston Villa follows a challenging period since his departure in 2024. After struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter in his first season with Juventus, he was sent on loan to Nottingham Forest for the current season. However, his time at Forest has also been limited, with the midfielder making just 14 appearances across all competitions, totaling only 710 minutes, and starting only five Premier League matches. A hamstring injury earlier in the season further hampered his opportunities.
Despite his recent struggles, Luiz remains highly regarded at Villa Park, where he previously enjoyed a successful five-year stint from 2019 to 2024. During his initial spell, the former Vasco da Gama player made over 200 appearances for the club, contributing directly to 47 goals, including scoring 22 himself. His strong performances under Unai Emery during their previous time together at Villa are believed to have played a significant role in his decision to favor a return to Birmingham.
Chelsea’s Interest and Luiz’s Preference
Aston Villa was not the only Premier League club vying for Luiz’s services. Initial reports linked Chelsea with the Brazilian international, with rumors suggesting he had even agreed terms with the London club. However, The Athletic later reported that Chelsea declined to pursue a deal after an initial enquiry, instead prioritizing existing squad members like Andrey Santos. Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport confirmed that Luiz had made up his mind, preferring a return to Aston Villa over a move to Stamford Bridge.
This preference is largely attributed to the clearer path to regular playing time that Villa can offer. While Chelsea does need extra depth in midfield, with players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Reece James in the mix, Luiz would face stiff competition for minutes. At Villa, with the extensive injury list affecting Kamara, McGinn, and Tielemans, Luiz is expected to immediately step into a crucial role, providing the consistent game time he has lacked recently.
The re-signing of Douglas Luiz underscores Aston Villa’s strategic approach to navigating a demanding season, demonstrating a willingness to re-invest in proven talent to maintain their competitive edge amidst unforeseen challenges.