Everton are intensifying their efforts to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, with reports indicating that the Toffees are preparing a loan-to-buy bid for the 27-year-old Brazilian international. According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are among the frontrunners for Luiz, who struggled for consistency during his first season in Serie A after a £42.35m move from Aston Villa in 2024. With David Moyes overseeing a significant squad overhaul, the potential acquisition of Luiz represents a bold statement of intent.
🗞️Everton have beaten West Ham in the race to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy
— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) July 16, 2025
(Source - @GiovaAlbanese ) pic.twitter.com/PlCmVO29zU
Douglas Luiz’s Career and Appeal
Douglas Luizestablished himself as a Premier League standout during his five-year stint at Aston Villa from 2019 to 2024. Signed from Manchester City for £15m, Luiz made 204 appearances for Villa, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists, earning praise for his energy, ball-playing ability, and versatility in midfield. His performances under Unai Emery helped Villa secure Champions League qualification in 2023-24, with teammate John McGinn labeling him “world-class” in May 2024. Luiz’s 17 caps for Brazil further underscore his pedigree.
However, his £42.35m move to Juventus last summer did not yield the expected results, with injuries and form limiting his minutes in Turin. Juventus are now open to selling him for around £35m, nearly half their initial investment, making him an attractive target for Premier League clubs. Everton’s interest stems from Luiz’s proven Premier League quality and his desire to return to England, where he thrived.
This scrumptious trivela through ball from Douglas Luiz should silence the haters 😤😤 #AVFC pic.twitter.com/Gr5u5ml38P
— Jack Grimse (@JackGrimse) February 3, 2024
Everton’s Midfield Needs
Everton’s pursuit of Luiz comes at a critical juncture, with the club’s midfield depleted following the departure of Abdoulaye Doucouré. The Toffees, who finished 13th in the Premier League under Moyes’ mid-season stewardship, have already signed goalkeeper Mark Travers (£4m from Bournemouth), striker Thierno Barry (£27m from Villarreal), while securing Carlos Alcaraz permanently after his loan spell. However, Moyes is keen to add a dynamic, experienced midfielder to anchor the engine room, and Luiz’s profile fits perfectly.
The proposed bid, estimated at £26m-£30m, falls short of Juventus’ £35m valuation, but negotiations are ongoing, with Luiz reportedly eager to join Everton. Manchester United have also made preliminary inquiries, with a loan-to-buy structure in discussion, while Fulham and Nottingham Forest have shown interest, the latter offering European football after losing Anthony Elanga.
Transfer Dynamics and Competition
Juventus’ willingness to sell stems from Luiz’s underwhelming debut season, where he struggled to adapt to Thiago Motta’s system. The Italian club’s openness to a cut-price deal, as noted by TEAMtalk makes the transfer feasible for Everton, who are operating under financial constraints despite new ownership from The Friedkin Group. The Toffees’ ability to structure the deal as a loan with an obligation to buy could align with their budget, allowing them to spread costs over time.
Strategic Fit and Potential Impact
Luiz’s potential arrival would be a coup for Everton, offering a significant upgrade in midfield quality. His ability to play as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role provides tactical flexibility, complementing players like Idrissa Gueye and James Garner. Moyes, who has emphasized the need for a “leap forward” in squad quality, sees Luiz’s Premier League experience and ball-playing nous as key to challenging for higher league positions. A successful transfer could transform Everton’s transfer window, which has been steady but lacks a marquee signing to excite fans.
However, challenges remain. Luiz’s adaptation struggles in Serie A raise questions about his consistency, and Everton’s £26m-£30m bid may need to increase to meet Juventus’ demands. Additionally, competition from West Ham and Manchester United could drive up costs or sway Luiz, who may prioritize a club with a clearer path to regular minutes. Everton’s lack of European football, unlike Nottingham Forest, could also be a factor, though their ambitious project under Moyes and The Friedkin Group is a strong draw.
🚨 Manchester United have moved ahead of Everton in the race for Douglas Luiz.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 16, 2025
They are prepared to discuss a loan deal with Juventus, with a view to a permanent transfer.
(Source: Football Insider) pic.twitter.com/dVeLKk8r2g
Fan Sentiment and Broader Context
The signing of Luiz would signal a shift from the financial struggles of recent years, with supporters eager for a statement addition to mark the club’s new era. The Liverpool Echo notes Moyes’ ongoing squad transformation, with recent signings like Travers and Barry, alongside interest in players like West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and a right-winger to replace Jack Harrison, indicating a busy window.