Everton blow West Ham out of water to sign Douglas Luiz in loan-to-buy transfer
Everton are hoping to seal the signing of Douglas Luiz this summer.
The former Aston Villa man joined Juventus last year, but is now keen on a Premier League return, with the Toffees reportedly leading the race.
Everton are hoping to accelerate their transfer business in the coming weeks after announcing the signings of Thierno Barry and Mark Travers.
David Moyes will be hoping for the arrival of further reinforcements too, after his side were held to a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley in their opening pre-season friendly.
Everton beat West Ham to Luiz signing
Luiz was hugely impressive at the latter end of his time at Aston Villa.
The Brazilian excelled as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of cutting out attacks, while also appearing in the final third to finish off counters.
Luiz also owned a collection of long-range strikes, often from dead-ball scenarios.
Remarkably, the midfielder has twice scored directly from a corner. And perhaps even more remarkably, both goals came in the space of a week – once against Bolton in the League Cup, before recreating the feat against Arsenal in the Premier League.
| Douglas Luiz | Premier League (2023/24) |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 5 |
It was the Gunners who attempted to sign Luiz in 2022 but Villa resisted the London club’s advances, eventually selling the Brazilian to Juventus last summer in a deal worth around £42million.
But Luiz made just 19 league appearances for the Serie A giants last season, and looks to be back on his way to the Premier League.
West Ham, as well as Everton, have reportedly shown interest in a move, but according to Giovanni Albanese (July 16), the Toffees have won the race.
The Italian journalist said that a deal is close that will see Luiz make the switch to The Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan, with an obligation to buy.
Luiz would be a superb signing for Everton
In the two years before Luiz’s departure from Aston Villa, to declare him among the Premier League’s best midfielders would not have been controversial.
The Brazilian was a force at Villa Park, and a return to England could be exactly what he needs to rediscover that form.
At 27, Luiz is entering his prime and would add masses of quality to Moyes’ midfield.
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