Douglas Luiz purchase to hinge on Champions League football for Aston Villa as bonus emerges
Juventus are hopeful that Aston Villa could “convince themselves” to trigger their purchase option for Douglas Luiz if they qualify for the Champions League.
That is according to Tutto Sport, who understand that the Italian giants are keen to secure the financial boost that would come if the Villans opted to exercise their chance to buy the midfielder.
Luiz is already seen as something of an outcast in Turin, and has had loan spells in the Premier League with both Nottingham Forest and Villa already this season.
Unai Emery has used the Brazilian regularly since his arrival in January, but that looks set to bring another aspect of their deal with Juventus into play.
How much would Aston Villa need to pay for Douglas Luiz?
Villa look set to face financial difficulties of their own this summer, as they continue to toe the line in relation to both PSR and UEFA’s squad cost rules.
Nevertheless, the second city outfit will get the chance to keep Luiz permanently, if they are willing to part with a fee of £21.9million (€25m) in order to match the terms of the initial loan agreement.
The 27-year-old has been well-received by the Villa fans so far, who shared an existing relationship with him, after he previously spent five full seasons in their colours earlier in his career.
It is clear that Emery shares a similar admiration for the former Manchester City man, but that looks set to add further costs to any potential move for him.
Tutto Sport understands that Juventus could be due another £3m in bonuses if Luiz continues to play a key role for his loan club between now and the end of the season, which suggests that there is also some sort of appearance-based element to the deal.
Luiz could be long-term replacement for Amadou Onana
Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Manchester United have a “good chance” of being able to complete a deal to sign Amadou Onana this summer.
The Red Devils have identified the Belgian as a key target to potentially move to Old Trafford and strengthen their midfield, and Wyness thinks it could be a switch that benefits all parties.
The Scottish businessman revealed that he thinks Onana would flourish at United, while adding that Villa would likely only be looking to recoup their initial £50m outlay for him.
Onana would undoubtedly be a significant loss for Emery and Co. in their efforts to improve once again next term, but it is certainly possible that Luiz has already been signed with the view to becoming his replacement.
For all the latest updates on Luiz’s future at Villa Park, check out the expert analysis and dedicated coverage on Villa News.