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Douglas Luiz Situation Presents Familiar Financial Headache for Juventus

Juventus are finding themselves in treacherous waters once again with another high-profile Brazilian midfielder. According to a detailed report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Douglas Luiz’s abrupt return to Continassa has reopened internal wounds at the club, both emotionally and financially. The former Aston Villa star, who has struggled for consistency and fitness since arriving in Turin, is now being likened to Arthur Melo — a player who continues to be a costly burden on Juve’s balance sheet.

Luiz’s Relationship with Juventus Reaches Breaking Point

The 27-year-old’s decision not to report to the pre-season gathering last Thursday came across as more than a protest. Far from merely pushing for a transfer, Luiz appeared to be acting out of spite, possibly in response to the treatment he feels he has received during a disappointing campaign in Italy.

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It paints the picture of a frustrated player who feels mismanaged and undervalued, echoing familiar themes from the final stages of Arthur’s Juventus tenure. The implication is that off-field dynamics, rather than fitness alone, may have derailed Luiz’s progression in Serie A.

Transfer Market Options Looking Complicated

Juventus had hoped to recover a significant chunk of the £39 million they still hold against Luiz’s amortised transfer cost, potentially via a structured deal including a loan with an obligation to buy. However, the club now face a diminished negotiating position.

Interest from Turkey is solidifying, with Gazzetta reporting that “il ds del Fenerbahce, Devin Ozek, per iniziare una trattativa… sulla base di un prestito con diritto di riscatto” is expected in Italy. That type of deal would at best offer financial relief in the short term, not a lasting solution.

Premier League clubs including Everton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and even Manchester United have been linked.

Financial History Repeating Itself

For Juventus, this has alarming echoes of the Arthur situation. Initially valued at €72 million, Arthur became a serial loanee, failing to convince any club to make his stay permanent. With Douglas Luiz now at risk of joining that category, Juve face another cycle of loans, wage management, and potential devaluation.

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From an Evertonian perspective, this is one of those transfer stories that provokes curiosity rather than certainty. Douglas Luiz, on his day, was brilliant at Aston Villa. His physicality, composure on the ball and ability to dictate play made him one of the most dependable midfielders in the Premier League. But this Juventus spell? It has clearly gone south.

Still, under David Moyes, who values graft, discipline and positional intelligence, Luiz could thrive. His frustrations at Juve, particularly being benched while fit, would likely not repeat at Goodison Park if his attitude aligns with the manager’s values. Everton’s midfield lacks that mix of flair and control when things get scrappy, and Luiz offers that rare blend.

The issue, as always, is financial. With Juventus reportedly looking for £40 million to recoup costs and Luiz earning £5 million net annually, it’s hard to see the Blues committing without a loan. But if Fenerbahce are allowed to test the waters with a loan plus option, why not Everton too? Even if it’s a season-long try-before-you-buy setup, it’s low risk and potentially high reward for a club needing technical quality.

Would Moyes take the gamble? Possibly. Would it be welcomed by the fanbase? Absolutely — especially if it means outmanoeuvring the likes of West Ham and Forest for a player who once bossed Premier League midfields with ease.