Softfootball understands that Aston Villa, who recently defeated Fenerbahçe 1-0 in the Europa League, are once again pushing to bring Douglas Luiz back to the club, reopening talks with Juventus as the January 2026 transfer window heats up. As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
Aston Villa back in active talks for Douglas Luiz after initial approach revealed last week. Negotiations ongoing with Juventus while Chelsea are also exploring different options in midfield. #AVFC working on Douglas Luiz return as priority with 2 more options on list.
Discussions that started quietly last week are now very much active, with Villa making Luiz’s return a top midfield priority.
Unai Emery knows the player well. He worked with Luiz during a strong spell at Villa Park and still rates him highly. With Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the rest of the season after a serious knee injury, and John McGinn also unavailable, Villa’s midfield has suddenly been left thin.
Luiz feels like a ready-made fix, someone who doesn’t need time to adapt.
Following recent reports that Chelsea officially opened talks with Juventus over the Douglas Luiz loan deal, Chelsea are now leading the race to sign Luiz on loan until the end of the season, with an option for a permanent deal in the summer. Luiz himself reportedly prefers Chelsea.
Currently, Luiz is on loan at Nottingham Forest, though his time there hasn’t gone as planned. He’s made just two league starts under Sean Dyche, and Forest are open to ending the loan early.
Juventus, too, are willing to sanction another temporary move, as Luiz is no longer central to their long-term plans following an injury-hit, uneven spell in Turin.
Juventus paid around €50 million for Luiz back in 2024, with Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior heading the other way. Now, another loan could suit everyone. Villa wants him. Chelsea want him more. And Luiz seems ready for a new chapter.
