Douglas Luiz: ‘Surprise update on Man City return after what I heard at Villa’
Man City are unlikely to pursue a move to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Etihad in the closing stages of the January transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that he is not the type of midfielder City need at the moment.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last week that any deal for the 26-year-old would be seen as a stop-gap to fill in during Rodri’s absence rather than a long-term option.
While City are thought to have been alerted to the midfielder’s availability, there are questions about whether he would be the right fit for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Brown explained that, while Luiz is still highly thought of, concerns about his performances and consistency during his time at Aston Villa.
His sale to Juventus was ultimately sanctioned as a result of the club’s financial concerns.
However, it has now been claimed that he was allowed to leave as Villa believed his departure would not have a significant impact on their performances.
Man City unlikely to sign Douglas Luiz after Aston Villa reveal
Since his move to the Italian giants, Luiz has failed to make his mark on the team and has started just five games, with Juventus keen to move him on just six months later.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the same concerns that emerged at Aston Villa and Juventus have put City off the deal.
“I’d be surprised if they made that move,” he told Football Insider.
“Luiz was at Aston Villa when I was there and there were a few questions about him.
“He can pass the ball well and he steps into the area to provide a way out for the centre-backs when they’re playing out.
“But he’s not the type of player who will win you the ball back in midfield like Rodri does so well.
“There are plenty of players who, given time and space, can pass the ball. City have got those already.
“A lot of people at Villa regarded him very highly, but they let him go because it wouldn’t have too much of an impact on the way they played.
“Now, he hasn’t been tearing up too many trees in Italy.
“So I’m not convinced he’s the type of midfielder Man City need, and they’ll know that too.”
In other news, Man City ramp up bid to rival Real Madrid for Joshua Kimmich.
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