Douglas Luiz Offered Nottingham Forest Lifeline as Juventus Exit Looms

Nottingham Forest push for Douglas Luiz transfer as Juventus look to offload struggling midfielder

As the transfer window heats up, one name has unexpectedly surfaced on Nottingham Forest’s radar: Douglas Luiz. Once seen as a prized midfield asset during his time at Aston Villa and an ambitious €51 million signing by Juventus, the Brazilian now finds himself at a career crossroads. With a turbulent season in Turin behind him and his stock falling sharply, Luiz could be handed a lifeline in the form of a Premier League return — this time in the red of Nottingham Forest.

Forest have reportedly submitted a loan proposal for Luiz, complete with an option to buy that could become an obligation depending on performance-related conditions. The proposal signals a major opportunity for both club and player: Forest would gain a technically gifted, Premier League-proven midfielder, while Luiz would escape a troubled stint at Juventus that’s left his future hanging in the balance.

Juventus keen to cut ties after disappointing debut season

Things haven’t gone to plan for Luiz since swapping Birmingham for Turin. When Juventus signed the Brazilian international in 2024, they did so under the belief that he would be a cornerstone of the midfield rebuild. Then-manager Thiago Motta pushed hard for the deal, which cost Juve a hefty €51 million. At the time, it looked like a statement signing — a player who could combine physicality and flair in the heart of midfield.

But instead of blossoming in Serie A, Luiz endured a season that was riddled with setbacks. A mix of niggling injuries, a failure to adapt to the tactical demands of the Italian game, and a general lack of form contributed to his struggles. The situation worsened after Motta’s departure, with new manager Igor Tudor appearing to have little use for Luiz’s services. That disconnect reached a boiling point when Luiz failed to report for the opening day of pre-season training — a move that reportedly infuriated club officials and was seen as a clear breach of discipline.

Juventus now find themselves eager to offload the midfielder before the season starts, but they’re not prepared to take a heavy financial hit. According to reports in Italy, Juve are demanding around €40 million for Luiz, hoping to recoup as much of their original outlay as possible while also freeing up funds for further transfers.

Nottingham Forest’s interest signals midfield shake-up

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Forest’s approach for Luiz comes amid wider moves to strengthen their squad, especially in midfield and the flanks. Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, the club is looking to inject both experience and quality into their ranks. Luiz would bring both — assuming he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most consistent holding midfielders.

In the same breath, Forest are also close to sealing a deal for Dan Ndoye, the Swiss international winger currently at Bologna. Ndoye is expected to arrive as a direct replacement for Anthony Elanga, who looks set to move on this summer. These are not scattergun moves — they suggest a strategy from Forest’s recruitment team, targeting players who are undervalued but potentially transformative in the right system.

For Luiz, the appeal of Forest may be greater than it appears on the surface. Returning to England — a league where he has already thrived — might be the perfect environment to rebuild confidence and regain consistency. With the structure and competitiveness of the Premier League, coupled with Forest’s urgent need for midfield leadership, it’s a situation that could benefit all parties.

Juventus attempted player-swap deals to move Luiz

In their desperation to move Luiz on, Juventus even explored unorthodox options. One of those included offering Luiz as part of a swap deal involving Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand — another deep-lying midfielder who has impressed in Portugal. That proposal was reportedly rejected, further complicating Juventus’ efforts to offload the Brazilian.

With other clubs showing only tentative interest so far, Forest’s proposal might be the most serious bid on the table. A loan with a conditional obligation to buy provides a compromise: Juventus avoid a total loss, and Luiz gets a fresh start without the immediate pressure of another massive price tag.

Douglas Luiz: a risk worth taking?

Tudor Juventus desktop

While some Forest fans may raise eyebrows at the idea of signing a player who’s just flopped at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, context matters. Luiz was one of Aston Villa’s most reliable performers before his move to Italy. His passing range, ability to shield the defence, and knack for scoring the occasional long-range goal made him a fan favourite in the Midlands. At just 26, he still has plenty of prime years ahead of him.

Moreover, it’s important to remember that not all talents succeed immediately after moving abroad. The cultural and tactical shift from Premier League to Serie A can be jarring — even for experienced players. If Luiz can return to a familiar environment and a league suited to his style, the transformation could be swift and effective.

For Forest, who have often lacked midfield balance and control since returning to the Premier League, Luiz could become the engine that drives them forward — if he’s motivated and fit. And for Luiz himself, this could be the kind of redemption story football thrives on: a return to form in a league that once knew his worth.

Looking ahead: clock ticking for all involved

With the start of the new Premier League season looming, all parties will want this saga resolved quickly. Juventus are eager to generate funds and clear space in the squad. Forest want to finalise their squad before kickoff. Luiz needs clarity on his future before another year slips away from him.

Whether this deal goes through or not, it’s a telling example of how fast fortunes can change in football. Just a year ago, Luiz was being hailed as a marquee Juventus signing. Now, he could be gearing up for a relegation battle in the Premier League. But sometimes, it’s in the struggle that the most compelling chapters of a player’s career are written.

And for Nottingham Forest and Douglas Luiz, this next chapter might just be one worth reading.