David Ornstein: Juventus midfielder set for Premier League return with Forest | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Close In On Douglas Luiz Signing

According to David Ornstein in The Athletic Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus. The Brazilian midfielder, once one of Aston Villa’s prized assets, is set for a fresh start in the Premier League after a difficult time in Turin.

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Major coup in the transfer market

Forest’s agreement to sign Luiz is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, dependent on the number of appearances he makes. There is also an option to secure his services permanently for around €30 million should he not meet the required threshold. It is a shrewd move for a player who cost Juventus €50 million only last summer.

As Ornstein reports, “The Brazil international has made 27 appearances since of which just six were starts, and only three in the league.” That statistic underlines just how much his career stalled in Serie A.

Active recruitment drive continues

This signing is part of a wider statement of intent from Nottingham Forest. In recent days, they have moved for Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo, alongside the club-record signing of Dan Ndoye from Bologna.

The recruitment drive has extended further with Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus arriving from Botafogo and Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn joining on a free transfer. It is a level of investment that suggests Forest are determined to build on last seasons success.

Why Luiz fits Forest’s ambitions

Luiz brings pedigree, leadership and European experience. His time at Aston Villa showcased his ability to dictate midfield tempo, contribute goals from deep and protect the back line. For Forest, who often lacked composure in possession last season, his signing represents a calculated risk with potentially transformative upside.

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From a Nottingham Forest supporter’s perspective, this feels like the kind of deal that changes the direction of the club. Douglas Luiz is not a gamble in the usual sense, he is a proven Premier League midfielder who excelled at Aston Villa. Many fans will remember his ability to break up play, distribute the ball with calm authority and even chip in with vital goals. For a team that has too often lacked midfield control, he looks like a perfect fit.

There will be concerns, of course. A year at Juventus where he hardly played raises questions about sharpness and confidence. But if Luiz can rediscover his rhythm, Forest could suddenly boast one of the most balanced midfields in the league. The combination of energy from Anderson, creativity from McAtee and now the steel and intelligence of Luiz is something supporters can genuinely be excited about.

The financial structure of the deal is another positive. By tying the permanent fee to appearances, the club have protected themselves from risk. It shows smart planning, rather than reckless spending. Fans have often worried about sustainability but this looks like a careful step forward.