Aston Villa modify decision for Douglas Luiz as ‘constructive’ talks prompt new ‘priority’
Aston Villa have decided to try and keep Douglas Luiz despite previously inviting offers for the midfielder, according to reports that have revealed their new plan.
Douglas Luiz is into the final year of his contract with Aston Villa. Speculation has been ongoing for a while about a potential departure as a result. He has drawn links with suitors in the Premier League and Serie A.
It had seemed that Steven Gerrard was willing to let go of the midfielder this summer. However, a few sources are now indicating that Aston Villa are in talks to extend the player’s contract.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Aston Villa have been in talks over a contract renewal. They are optimistic of tying the former Manchester City man down to a longer-term commitment.
Douglas Luiz joined Villa in the summer of 2019 and has made 111 appearances for them since.
The Telegraph note that after missing out on targets like Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma to clubs in the top six, Aston Villa have increased the emphasis on keeping hold of Douglas Luiz.
They claim talks have been “constructive” after they began following the rejection of a £30m Premier League offer in January, supposedly from Newcastle United.
Further afield, he had been linked with Milan and Roma. However, the latter are currently focusing on former Liverpool man Georginio Wijnaldum, while links with the former have gone a bit quiet.
Instead, Douglas Luiz’s future could remain in Birmingham. He could form a partnership with new arrival Boubacar Kamara for many years to come, along with newly appointed captain John McGinn.
Football Insider have also carried their own claims regarding the future of Villa’s number six. They say it is now a “priority” for Gerrard’s side to complete the agreement and the talks are at an advanced stage.
They reiterate Villa would have sold the 24-year-old was it not for them missing out on Phillips and Bissouma.
That said, Gerrard has always spoken enthusiastically about the player in public. Now, it seems he wants to keep working with him after all.
Douglas Luiz transfer stance makes sense
Aston Villa have been careful in their management of the midfielder’s future. They are well aware of the talent he can bring to a team.
That is why they would not have wanted to lose him for free. Hence, if offers elsewhere do not come in, it is sensible for them to extend his contract.
The club are trying to build a bright future and he can be a part of that. At 24 years old still as well, he has time to develop further.
In the long run, he could be capable of a move to a Champions League calibre club. But for now, the way Aston Villa are progressing with him in their side should make the idea of staying attractive to him too.
Douglas Luiz is an important player and Villa are recognising that.
