In what promises to be one of the most significant transfers of the summer window, Nottingham Forest are on the verge of completing a stunning deal for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal is “almost done” with only final details being sorted before the former Aston Villa star makes his highly anticipated return to the Premier League.
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Breaking: Deal Almost Complete
The latest update from Romano confirms that Nottingham Forest and Douglas Luiz are finalizing the last small details ahead of the green light for the player to travel for his medical examination. “Nottingham Forest and Douglas Luiz, deal almost done! Final details being sorted and then… here we go. Douglas only wants #NFFC and the two clubs are finalising small details ahead of green light to travel for medical. Almost there.”
This development represents a major coup for Nottingham Forest, who have been pursuing the 27-year-old midfielder throughout the summer transfer window as manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to bolster his squad for their European campaign.
Personal Terms Already Agreed
Douglas Luiz has reportedly agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest on a lucrative five-year contract running until 2030. The deal is set to run until summer 2030, with the 27-year-old player’s salary expected to be around €2.5 million per year. The Brazilian midfielder has made it clear that he only wants to join the City Ground outfit, rejecting interest from other Premier League clubs and overseas destinations.
The player’s commitment to Nottingham Forest has been unwavering throughout negotiations, with sources confirming that Douglas only wants #NFFC and has been pushing for the move to be completed as quickly as possible.
Transfer Structure and Financial Details
The deal between Nottingham Forest and Juventus is structured as a loan arrangement with a purchase option that could become an obligation under certain conditions. Juventus want at least €35 million for Luiz as well as an obligation to buy worked into the deal with Forest if it does in fact go through.
Key financial aspects of the transfer include:
- Initial loan fee: Undisclosed
- Purchase option: €35 million
- Total package value: Up to €40 million with bonuses
- Player salary: €2.5-5 million per year
- Contract length: 5 years (until 2030)
The structure allows Nottingham Forest to manage their immediate financial outlay while providing Juventus with the security of a guaranteed sale if certain performance criteria are met during the 2025-26 season.
Nuno’s Strategic Masterstroke
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been instrumental in pushing through this transfer, specifically requesting Douglas Luiz to bolster his midfield options. A new central midfielder is being eyed by Nuno Espirito Santo as he looks to bolster his options in the engine room ahead of the new campaign.
The Portuguese manager’s tactical vision includes utilizing Luiz’s Premier League experience and creative abilities to enhance Forest’s midfield dynamics, particularly as they prepare for European competition alongside their domestic commitments.
Douglas Luiz: Player Profile and Premier League Pedigree
Douglas Luiz brings extensive Premier League experience to Nottingham Forest, having established himself as one of the division’s most reliable central midfielders during his five-year tenure at Aston Villa. The Brazilian international made 204 appearances for Villa between 2019 and 2024, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists while becoming a fan favorite at Villa Park.
Career Statistics Overview
| Club | Period | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 2019-2024 | 204 | 22 | 24 | – |
| Juventus | 2024-2025 | 27 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Manchester City | 2017-2019 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 Premier League |
| Total Career | 2017-2025 | 245 | 22 | 26 | 1 |
International Experience
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Major Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil Senior | 18 | 1 | Copa America 2021, World Cup 2022 |
| Brazil U23 | 8 | 0 | Olympic Games 2020 |
Juventus Struggles and Exit Motivation
Douglas Luiz’s time at Juventus has been disappointing, with the midfielder struggling to make an impact in Serie A. He barely played in the Club World Cup. But when it comes to the potential final time playing as a Juve player at the Allianz Stadium, that’s when he gets a couple of goal contributions.
The Brazilian’s difficulties in Turin included:
- Limited playing time under different managers
- Physical adaptation issues to Italian football
- Personal problems that affected his performances
- Only 27 appearances with zero goals or assists in Serie A
This lack of success has motivated Luiz to seek a return to the Premier League, where he previously thrived and established his reputation as a top-class midfielder.
Competition Beaten
Nottingham Forest have successfully fended off competition from several other clubs to secure Douglas Luiz’s signature. The report does mention that another Premier League club and a Saudi Arabian team are also interested in Luiz, but Forest are currently winning the race, and are being given priority to secure a deal as quickly as possible.
Among the clubs that showed interest were:
- Everton: Were initially in pole position but failed to match Forest’s offer
- West Ham United: Made inquiries but couldn’t compete financially
- Manchester United: Considered Luiz as a midfield option but prioritized other targets
- Saudi Arabian clubs: Offered lucrative packages but couldn’t persuade the player
Impact on Nottingham Forest’s Squad
The addition of Douglas Luiz would represent a significant upgrade to Nottingham Forest’s midfield capabilities. His arrival would provide:
Tactical Benefits
- Creative passing ability from deep positions
- Experience in high-pressure Premier League situations
- Versatility to play in multiple midfield roles
- Set-piece expertise and aerial threat
Squad Depth Enhancement
The signing addresses several key areas for Forest:
- European competition preparation: Additional quality for Conference League fixtures
- Premier League resilience: Proven top-flight experience
- Leadership qualities: Mature professional with international experience
- Technical improvement: Enhanced ball-playing ability from midfield
Financial Implications for Both Clubs
For Nottingham Forest, the deal represents a statement of intent regarding their Premier League ambitions. The club’s ownership has shown willingness to invest significantly in quality players, with this transfer potentially becoming their most expensive signing.
For Juventus, Calciomercato explains that Juventus require a fee in the region of €39m if they are to avoid making a capital loss on Douglas Luiz after only one year, given the €50m fee they spent last summer. The deal structure allows them to recoup most of their investment while freeing up funds for other acquisitions.
Timeline and Medical Arrangements
With personal terms agreed and club negotiations nearing completion, Douglas Luiz is expected to travel to Nottingham for his medical examination within the next 48 hours. the two clubs are finalising small details ahead of green light to travel for medical.
The timeline for completion suggests:
- Medical examination: Expected within 48 hours
- Official announcement: Could follow immediately after successful medical
- Squad integration: Player available for upcoming fixtures
- Debut potential: Possible involvement in next Premier League match
Nuno’s Transfer Strategy
This potential signing aligns perfectly with Nuno Espirito Santo’s transfer strategy of combining Premier League experience with hunger for success. Douglas Luiz joins a growing list of quality additions to Nottingham Forest’s squad, including previous signings that have strengthened various positions.
The manager’s specific request for Luiz demonstrates his tactical planning and understanding of the midfielder’s capabilities, suggesting the Brazilian will play a central role in Forest’s system.
Premier League Return: Perfect Timing
Douglas Luiz’s return to the Premier League comes at an ideal time for both player and club. For the midfielder, it represents an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and showcase the qualities that made him such a valuable player at Aston Villa.
For Nottingham Forest, securing a player of Luiz’s caliber demonstrates their ambition to establish themselves as a stable Premier League force while competing in European competition.
Fan Expectations and Early Predictions
Nottingham Forest supporters are understandably excited about the prospect of signing a player with Douglas Luiz’s pedigree. His Premier League experience, combined with his international background, makes him an ideal addition to Nuno’s squad.
Early predictions suggest Luiz could:
- Start immediately: Likely to feature in the starting XI given his experience
- Creative catalyst: Expected to be the primary creative force from midfield
- Set-piece specialist: Could take responsibility for free kicks and corners
- Leadership role: Natural candidate for captaincy responsibilities
European Competition Boost
With Nottingham Forest competing in the UEFA Conference League, Douglas Luiz’s European experience will prove invaluable. His Champions League appearances for both Manchester City and Juventus provide the tactical awareness and big-game mentality needed for continental competition.
The completion of Douglas Luiz’s transfer would represent a major statement from Nottingham Forest regarding their ambitions for the 2025-26 season. With European competition and Premier League stability as primary objectives, adding a player of Luiz’s quality significantly enhances their prospects.
As the deal edges closer to completion, all parties involved appear satisfied with the arrangement. Douglas Luiz gets his desired return to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest secure a world-class midfielder, and Juventus recoup their investment while moving on from an unsuccessful signing.
The football world now awaits the official confirmation of what promises to be one of the summer’s most significant transfers, with Nottingham Forest poised to welcome their newest Brazilian star to the City Ground.
Read More: Leverkusen Complete Season-Long Claudio Echeverri Loan Deal from Manchester City
FAQs
How much will Nottingham Forest pay for Douglas Luiz?
Nottingham Forest will pay approximately €35 million for Douglas Luiz through a loan deal with an obligation to buy. The total package could reach €40 million with bonuses included.
What contract terms has Douglas Luiz agreed with Nottingham Forest?
Douglas Luiz has agreed to a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest running until 2030, with an annual salary of around €2.5-5 million per year including bonuses.
Why is Douglas Luiz leaving Juventus after only one season?
Douglas Luiz struggled to adapt at Juventus, making only 27 appearances with zero goals or assists in Serie A. He wants to return to the Premier League where he previously excelled at Aston Villa.
Which other clubs were interested in signing Douglas Luiz?
Everton, West Ham United, Manchester United, and several Saudi Arabian clubs showed interest in Douglas Luiz, but Nottingham Forest emerged as his preferred destination.
When will Douglas Luiz complete his medical examination?
Douglas Luiz is expected to travel for his medical examination within the next 48 hours, with the deal almost complete according to the latest reports from Fabrizio Romano.
