Manchester City have surprisingly set their sights on star Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, which could see the Brazilian return to the Etihad Stadium. Sources close to the club told Football Insider about City’s strong interest in signing Luiz, a move that could rival Arsenal’s previously reported interest in the 25-year-old midfielder in the January transfer window.
The new midfielder who is in Manchester City’s sights
This interest comes as Manchester City look to strengthen their midfield, with Douglas Luiz among the standout options alongside Al Hilal star Ruben Neves. Both midfielders would be on Pep Guardiola’s priority list to strengthen his squad in the next transfer window.
The surprise is that Manchester City let Douglas Luiz leave the club in 2019 without playing a single minute. Although they included a buyback clause in the deal that brought the Brazilian to Aston Villa for £15m, that clause expired in 2021.
Douglas Luiz, now a key part of the Aston Villa squad, has proven his worth in the Premier League, starting every game this season. With six goals and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old midfielder has become a key figure at Villa Park.
Despite initial work permit issues that led to a two-year loan spell at Girona, Douglas Luiz has found his place among English football’s elite. With a contract at Aston Villa until June 2026, the Brazil international signed his latest contract extension in October 2022, cementing himself as a key part of the Villains’ ambitious project, who currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just three points off the leaders, Manchester City.