
EPL Index
·7. August 2025
Forest close in on Juve midfielder as talks progress on midfield deal

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·7. August 2025
Douglas Luiz is on the verge of a return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. After failing to make a lasting impact at Juventus, where he quickly fell out of favour, the Brazilian midfielder appears set for a fresh chapter at a club eager to reshape its midfield dynamic.
Photo IMAGO
The proposed move would take the form of a loan with an obligation to buy, triggered under specific conditions. Negotiations have advanced over the past few days, with intermediaries reportedly working to meet the player’s demands. Juventus, who recently forgave Luiz for an unauthorised absence during pre-season, are now looking to offload his salary and finalise an exit.
However, this is more than a one-way transaction. Juventus are understood to be interested in Nottingham Forest’s Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré, who could be pushed out following Luiz’s arrival. Sangaré, 27, has struggled to assert himself since joining Forest and is seen as an option that fits Igor Tudor’s tactical requirements.
Photo IMAGO
A straight swap is not expected, but both clubs are reportedly willing to keep discussions open once the Luiz deal is sealed. Juventus view Sangaré as a low-cost, high-upside signing who can bring physicality and defensive cover to their midfield.
For Forest, the potential addition of Douglas Luiz marks a continuation of their intent to blend technical control with Premier League experience. Luiz already has a solid record in England and is viewed as someone who can offer reliability in possession and positional awareness in midfield transitions.
Photo: IMAGO
With Juventus prepared to facilitate his exit and Forest willing to meet his demands, there is growing confidence that a full agreement is imminent.
Douglas Luiz is not just a proven Premier League performer, he is exactly the kind of player Forest have lacked, composed on the ball, positionally intelligent, and capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch.
Yes, Juventus were disappointed with his impact in Italy, but not every player thrives in Serie A. What matters is that Luiz knows this league, knows the tempo, and, crucially, knows what it takes to stay in it. Forest have been crying out for a midfielder who can anchor play without going missing when the pressure is on.
If this deal goes through, it may also allow the club to move on from Ibrahim Sangaré, whose performances have left fans unconvinced. While Sangaré arrived with hype, he never quite adapted, and a switch to Juventus could work for all parties. Let him reboot his career elsewhere, and let Luiz bring leadership into the middle of the pitch.
If done right, this is more than a signing. It is a statement.
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