Aston Villa Rule Out 27-Year-Old Midfielder’s Signing: Is It A Good Decision? | OneFootball

In the last few seasons, Aston Villa have proven themselves to be above a mid-level club in the Premier League. Under Unai Emery’s coaching, the team has shown discipline in the game plan and pace in attack. Entering European competitions is no longer a dream for them, but has become a reality. They played in the Champions League last season and will now play in the Europa League next season. Last season, they challenged the big clubs by staying in the race for the top four for a long time. The team’s midfield also looked strong, which included everything from ball control to box-to-box movement.

However, the need for a midfielder has again arisen in the club’s current plan. Some players may leave, and questions have been raised about the performance of some replacements. For this reason, Aston Villa were said to be looking for new options in many reports. There were many names, but one of them was a name that had already been a part of Villa.

Aston Villa won’t make a move for Douglas Luiz

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Douglas Luiz of Juventus gestures during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to a report in The Sun, Aston Villa had shown interest in bringing back Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, but later, the club decided not to move in this direction. Now, West Ham United and Everton have a chance to sign Luiz. In the last summer transfer, Juventus signed him for £42.5 million, but in the season 2024/25, he neither looked fit nor could he return to form. His influence in Juventus faded, and now he is not even able to make a place in the team.

Douglas Luiz used to play an important role in midfield while he was at Villa. He had the ability to retain possession of the ball for a long time and was fast in breaking the opposing attacks, but his confidence had dropped in Italy. Injuries and poor fitness have affected the Brazilian’s performances. In such a situation, would it have been right to bring him back?

Did Villa do the right thing?

In our opinion, Aston Villa have made the right decision not to re-sign Douglas Luiz. Emotions can play a part in bringing back a player who has struggled at his previous club, but this is football—form and fitness are the key. Luiz’s current form does not match Villa’s increased aspirations.

Villa are no longer just trying to survive in the Premier League; they have made their mark in Europe as well. They need players who can contribute immediately. An emotional investment in Douglas Luiz is not in the club’s best interests at this time. Villa would be better off buying a young, in-form midfielder who will take them to the next level.