Report: Nottingham Forest eye £40m move for Juventus midfielder | OneFootball

Douglas Luiz Back on Nottingham Forest’s Radar as Juve Rift Deepens

Edu’s Long Game with Luiz

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Douglas Luiz is no passing flirtation. It’s a strategic pursuit guided by new sporting director Edu Gaspar, whose admiration for the Brazilian dates back to his days at Arsenal. Back then, Edu attempted – and failed – to bring Luiz to North London. Now, with greater sway and a clearer pathway at Forest, he may finally land his man.

TuttoSport reports that Forest had already approached Juventus during the January window, only to be turned away. At the time, Juventus weren’t ready to part with a player they’d invested heavily in—£28 million in cash and the promising pair of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling Jr. The total package was reportedly valued at £50 million. But the sheen has worn off, and the cracks are showing.

Luiz’s time at Juventus has been mired in disappointment, punctuated by muscle injuries and tactical mismatches. “So much so that many insiders have already branded the 1998 class as a flop,” the report stated bluntly.

Motta’s Cold Shoulder and Tactical Misfit

The underlying issue appears to be a lack of chemistry with Juve boss Thiago Motta. From pre-season through to spring, Luiz has been used sparingly, often watching from the bench. This, despite his 2023/24 Premier League inclusion in the ‘Top 11’—a badge of quality earned during a standout season at Aston Villa under Unai Emery.

“The feeling between the Juventus coach and one of the main signings of the transfer campaign… has never blossomed,” TuttoSport observes. For a player who thrives on rhythm and confidence, being on the fringes has done Luiz no favours.

As he battles back from injury, his immediate goal is to be fit for the Genoa clash. Whether he convinces Motta in time for a Champions League push remains uncertain. What’s more likely is that this summer will bring serious reflection—and potentially, relocation.

Forest’s Champions League Ambition

Forest’s pursuit of Luiz is not just about romantic reunions or smart shopping. It signals intent. Edu wants to future-proof the midfield with players capable of dictating tempo and raising standards. Should Forest secure European football, Luiz could be a key figurehead for a new era.

Negotiations have quietly resumed with Kia Joorabchian, Luiz’s agent and a key conduit in this proposed deal. “The satisfactory landing point for everyone could be that of an onerous loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions,” claims TuttoSport.

At a valuation of around £40 million, Juventus are keen to avoid recording a capital loss, while Forest—well-backed financially—see it as a worthwhile investment. A structured deal could suit all parties.

Why Douglas Luiz Still Matters

Luiz remains a high-ceiling player. His blend of physical presence, ball retention, and incisive distribution once had him earmarked as a midfield general. That profile hasn’t vanished—it’s just been obscured by tactical misalignment and poor timing.

At 26, Luiz still has peak years ahead. Returning to the Premier League in a system that trusts him could be exactly the restart he needs. Forest would gain not only a technical midfielder but one with the fire to prove people wrong.

The final chapter of Luiz’s Italian sojourn may soon close. Nottingham Forest, quietly ambitious and astutely managed, could well be the ideal setting for his renaissance.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Forest fan’s perspective, this potential transfer feels significant—not just for its ambition, but for its symbolism. We’ve seen the club evolve from relegation battlers to contenders eyeing Europe. Bringing in someone like Douglas Luiz would be a statement that Forest are no longer merely surviving in the Premier League—they’re building.

There’ll be scepticism, of course. Some may ask: why bring in a player deemed surplus at Juve? But the answer lies in context. Luiz didn’t fit Motta’s setup—it’s not a question of quality. He showed what he could do at Villa, controlling games, scoring key goals, and putting in the hard graft. He was elite last season, and that doesn’t vanish overnight.

Edu knows his profile inside out and wouldn’t chase him again without full confidence. It feels like a reunion waiting to happen—built on trust, timing, and tactical clarity. If Forest pull this off, it might just be one of the smartest moves of the summer window.