Aston Villa told to secure Douglas Luiz contract as ‘soon as possible’ amid Liverpool development
Aston Villa have been told to tie Douglas Luiz down to a new contract as “soon as possible” by Alan Hutton as transfer speculation continues around his future.
The Brazilian has been in excellent form under Unai Emery so far this season, barring a disappointing penalty miss against Olympiacos, scoring nine goals and laying on five assists to help Villa into the Premier League top four.
Reports had suggested that Luiz was set to be offered a bumper new deal at Villa Park [Dean Jones, 14 April] but so far no new contract has been signed and the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal continue to be linked with a potential summer transfer [Express, 28 April].
While Hutton admits he would be keen to see the 25-year-old sign on the dotted line, he insists that the two parties would have had “chats” over a new deal and expects him to sign come the end of the Premier League season.
“I would want to do it as soon as possible,” Hutton told Villa News.
“I think he has been an integral part of the team and he has been for a number of seasons now. He’s really raised his game again this year, everything that he does is positive.
“Yes, he takes chances but he takes the ball off of the back four, he’s willing to turn and link the play, his set plays, everything that he brings to the team is positive so I think to tie him down now would be excellent.
“I’m pretty sure there have been chats. Even if doesn’t happen between now and the end of the season, they’ve probably said let’s get the season over with and then we’ll sign the contract.
“I don’t see it being a problem and hopefully he stays.”
Will Aston Villa keep Douglas Luiz in the transfer window amid Liverpool and Arsenal interest?
As Hutton suggests, Villa will have already had discussions with Luiz over extending his contract given his excellent performances so far this season, therefore, fans shouldn’t be worried that no announcement has yet been made.
Emery and his recruitment team will be doing all that they can to keep their best talents like Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Luiz at Villa Park beyond the end of the season as they prepare for a Champions League campaign.
Hopefully, all three will still be playing in claret and blue come the start of next season, but it won’t be easy to keep some of the Premier League’s biggest sides away. New contracts could be the only way to fend off interest.
An announcement over Luiz’s future won’t be far away anyway, whether that is good news or bad so fans shouldn’t have to wait too much longer.
In other Aston Villa news, a new Leon Bailey exit prediction has emerged after “outstanding” developments at Villa Park
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.