Liverpool Monitor Douglas Luiz Amid Juventus Fallout
Liverpool’s summer business has been nothing short of spectacular so far, with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike already through the doors at Anfield. However, speculation continues around further additions, and Gazzetta dello Sport have now reported that Douglas Luiz has become the latest name linked with the Reds.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has reportedly gone AWOL from Juventus training, with the Serie A side expected to take disciplinary action. His absence comes at a curious time, especially as the club are said to be open to selling Luiz for around €40m (£35m).
“The Bianconeri are seemingly open to selling the 27-year-old for around €40m (£35m), and it’s claimed that his time with the Serie A outfit ‘is set to end’ before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.”
His actions may suggest a desire to force through a move, with Liverpool, Everton and West Ham all cited as interested parties. Yet his timing, and indeed his methods, may not work in his favour.
Douglas Luiz’s Premier League Pedigree
Before heading to Italy, Luiz made a major impact in England. He was instrumental in Aston Villa’s rise, notably scoring nine goals in their Champions League-qualifying campaign and being voted Player of the Season in 2023.
Jermaine Pennant, never shy with his views, once said:
“He can do everything that Declan Rice can and better.”
That level of praise, while subjective, does highlight the regard in which Luiz is held by some within the English game. Technically gifted, capable of operating in both a holding and more advanced role, Luiz is versatile. But whether Liverpool still need his profile is another question.
Midfield Stability at Anfield
Much has changed at Liverpool since the major midfield exodus of 2023. Then, the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner created a vacuum that had to be urgently filled. But now, with Wataru Endō growing into his role, Alexis Mac Allister thriving, and Dominik Szoboszlai proving a revelation, things feel far more settled.
Luiz may have appealed a year or two ago, but his current situation — both in form and conduct — might not align with the standards that Arne Slot and the recruitment team are looking to uphold.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Douglas Luiz was once a name many Liverpool fans mentioned during transfer windows. Back in 2023, his blend of aggression, positional awareness and ball progression made him a natural candidate for the Reds’ midfield rebuild. Fast forward to today, and that rebuild is complete — and arguably better than expected.
Slot’s title-winning midfield has a functional balance, and it’s hard to see where Luiz fits without disrupting that. His AWOL episode is also a concern. For a club like Liverpool, who pride themselves on professionalism and unity, it’s not a great look. Even if his absence is linked to a desire for a move, this isn’t the approach that usually garners support from fans or clubs.
That said, £35 million for a player of his calibre isn’t excessive, especially with Premier League experience. If Liverpool were looking to bolster depth ahead of a heavy fixture schedule across four competitions, he could be a valuable squad option. However, given current squad dynamics and the existing competition for places, it feels more likely that the club will monitor rather than move.
Unless there’s an unexpected midfield departure or a drop-off in pre-season form from current options, this might be one link that never really gets close to reality.
