Douglas Luiz transfer stance questioned at Aston Villa as Juventus move nears
Don Goodman has questioned why Douglas Luiz would consider leaving Aston Villa for Juventus at this moment in time.
Luiz is said to have angled for a move to the Serie A heavyweights, with personal terms having now been agreed [Fabrizio Romano, 13 June].
The 26-year-old is coming off the back of another impressive campaign for Villa, more than playing his part in Champions League qualification.
And given his status as a regular starter under Unai Emery, Goodman is surprised Luiz is close to departing Villa Park.
“Douglas Luiz has been one of the best players at Villa since he arrived through the door,” Goodman told Villa News. “In terms of him wanting a move away, well, why?
“He’s been part of a really successful side and is now guaranteed to play in the Champions League, while also playing regularly in the best league in the world.
“With respect, I’m not sure why he would be thinking of moving to Serie A with Juventus. I wouldn’t be doing that if I was him, but I’m not him.
“Maybe there’s an element of some players coming from far reaches of the world having a different mentality in terms of leaving clubs, wanting to join this team and that team.”
Aston Villa could yet benefit from Douglas Luiz exit
On the face of it, losing Luiz is a massive blow for the Villans. Given a choice, no supporter would want to see him go.
However, the transfer could bring in a hefty sum for the club – always welcome in the age of PSR – while Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie also look set to join as part of the deal.
That means Villa will hopefully not have to contemplate selling any other first-teamers, while at the same time adding to the squad in one fell swoop.
The other positive is that this move looks set to go through at the very start of the window, so at least Villa have not been caught off guard.
If there is one thing we have learned, Emery will get the best out of whatever players he has at his disposal. The Spaniard is therefore more important that any one individual.
In other Aston Villa news, Goodman has raised a transfer concern over Ollie Watkins.
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