Aston Villa look set to lose Douglas Luiz this summer despite qualifying for the Champions League.
Unai Emery‘s side had an incredible season in 2023/24, finishing fourth in the league alongside a run to the Europa Conference League semi-final.
However, they are in the unfortunate position in which they are expected to make one or two high-profile sales this summer in order to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability regulations (PSR).
Striker Jhon Duran could head to Chelsea for a fee of around £40 million which would ease Aston Villa’s concerns, but Douglas Luiz is also expected to depart as one of the club’s most valuable assets.
This would be a real loss and the Brazilian is not a player the Villa Park faithful will want to see leave.
With talks a deal is close between Villa and Juventus that would see Luiz join the Italian giants and Villa get Weston McKennie, Samuel Iling-Junior and £16 million in return, many are now resigned to losing the 26-year-old.
There could still be hope yet, though, as reports are now suggesting there are two factors which could see a deal fall through.
Juventus duo need convincing on Aston Villa move
Given the need for an injection of cash prior to the 30th June PSR deadline, Villa fans were left scratching their heads when reports of a swap deal emerged.
The club value Luiz at around £50 million but are not keen on a sale to a fellow Premier League club. Juventus are the only club on the Continent currently showing concrete interest, but they do not have the funds to spend such a fee on one player.
Therefore, Villa appear to deem the best solution to be to get two players into their squad ahead of what will be an intense season, with the £16 million having the potential to go some way to helping them avoid a PSR breach.
A deal has appeared to be edging closer over the past week, however now a report from Tutto Sport claims there could be two stumbling blocks.
Both of these relate to the players The Old Lady are proposing to include in the swap, with McKennie and Iling-Junior needing further convincing but for differing reasons.
According to Tutto Sport, McKennie’s negotiations are financial, with the USA midfielder wanting the move but to ensure he gets the wage he feels he deserves.
Iling-Junior’s concerns relate to playing time, with the England under-21 winger seeking guarantees from Emery relating to whether he views him as a starter next season.
Douglas Luiz Juventus move falling through could be blessing for Aston Villa
It is not believed these issues will scupper the deal from happening, but they are details that need ironing out prior to the swap being concluded.
This may not be viewed as good news by Villa fans, with questions over whether they are actually seeing their squad improve as a result of the deal.
Luiz has been a key player under Emery and dictates the tempo of the side. His form dipped towards the end of last season as he looked fatigued but, given he played 53 games in all competitions, this is perhaps understandable.
Whilst it may not be the best outcome for Villa financially, any deal falling through could prove a blessing in disguise.
Iling-Junior has unquestionable potential but his ability to come in and improve the side immediately ahead of a Champions League campaign is up for debate, whilst McKennie is a downgrade on Luiz in the midfield even if the two players perform different roles.
Whilst it adds depth and some money with the £16 million fee involved, many would prefer to keep Luiz if there is any possibility of doing so and may be willing this particular deal to fall through.
With McKennie and Iling-Junior both raising questions regarding the move, this appears to have become a real possibility.
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