‘Everton to step up Douglas Luiz interest as Juventus take disciplinary action’
Everton could step up their interest in Douglas Luiz following the latest update on the Juventus midfielder.
Luiz joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summer but endured a difficult debut campaign in Turin, starting just three Serie A matches and making only 27 appearances across all competitions so far.
The Brazil international has failed to register a goal or assist during that time and is understood to be keen on a move away from the Old Lady.
Everton, meanwhile, are on the lookout for more quality in the middle of the park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure left the Toffees at the end of his contract recently, leaving David Moyes with only Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam as natural options in the No.6 and No.8 positions — with Carlos Alcaraz more effective further forward.
Juventus to take disciplinary action against Luiz
Luiz is understood to be a target of both Everton and West Ham United this summer.
Despite his struggles in Italy, the 27-year-old’s exploits in the Premier League with Villa remain fresh in the memory.
| 2023/24 Aston Villa stats | Douglas Luiz |
| Appearances | 53 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 10 |
And any potential suitors will be emboldened after it emerged that Luiz has not arrived for pre-season training.
The midfielder was due to rejoin the Juventus squad on Thursday (24 July). However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Luiz hasn’t shown up, with Juventus expected to take disciplinary action against the player.
Everton hold advantage over West Ham in Luiz race
Everton may feel that this is the best time to strike in their pursuit of Luiz.
After all, the club’s former chief, Keith Wyness, recently told Football Insider that Everton’s geographical location closer to Luiz’s former home in the Midlands could work in their favour — despite West Ham having more money to throw at a potential transfer.
“In terms of Luiz, I think West Ham, given they got the Kudus deal over the line and they got a bit more money, will be prepared to go further than Everton in terms of getting it done. Although I do hear still strong rumours that there is interest from Everton,” said Wyness (24 July).
“I think Luiz would be a great fit for West Ham. I think what goes in Everton’s favour is the fact, of course, that he was with Villa, and the Midlands and Northwest are still not London. I think he might prefer to be outside of London. From what I understand from my sources, that’s more of his leaning, but we’ll see.
“It’s one of those periods in the window right now when there is a lot of jockeying going on between clubs. What we’re seeing is a lot of clubs now sticking out for more money and getting it, and so that’s making things even slower as clubs seek to squeeze their opponents in the transfer window.”
Evertonians will want to see their club move quickly, with Thierno Barry and Mark Travers their only senior arrivals this summer so far — alongside making Alcaraz’s loan permanent.
The Toffees have endured a slow start to pre-season, too, with a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley followed by a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Moyes’ side can put that right, however, in upcoming exhibitions against Bournemouth, West Ham, Man United and Roma.