Manchester United’s race for a former Premier League midfield standout could now get trickier if the latest reports are to be believed.
While most of the focus has been on United bolstering their attack after a disappointing 2024–25 season in front of goal, the Leeds pre-season friendly brought some realisation that midfield reinforcements may also be necessary.
United’s engine room is far from its strongest.
It lacks an athletic, technically gifted midfielder, the type head coach Ruben Amorim may have hinted he yearns for with his admissions after the 0–0 friendly with Leeds.
Luiz: a top midfield target
Several midfielders have been linked, one of them being Juventus’ Douglas Luiz.
Given United’s apparent preference for Premier League-proven players this summer, Luiz is a no-brainer target.
Before moving to Juventus, where he endured a nightmare campaign with just three Serie A starts and 27 appearances in all competitions without a single goal contribution, Luiz was a standout Premier League midfielder.
At the heart of Aston Villa’s midfield, the physical and technically gifted Brazilian was admired for his ability to control games from deep while offering defensive cover. Lest we forget, he was also a superb dead-ball specialist.
It is unfortunate that he failed to take his Premier League exploits to Serie A. Perhaps Italy was not his cup of tea, which is why he is now thought to be pushing for a return to England.
Everton and West Ham were thought to be ready to rival United in the swoop, with Juventus demanding around £30 million.
While the appeal of playing at the Theatre of Dreams should have bolstered United’s cause, a more formidable transfer rival has now emerged.
According to Caught Offside:
“Liverpool are interested in signing the Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz during the summer transfer window… Liverpool could use more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and Luiz could be the ideal acquisition for them.”
If true, the Premier League champions muscling into the Luiz race could massively shake up the midfielder’s transfer saga.
Luiz to Liverpool does not add up
Would Luiz turn down the chance to join a title-winning side? That remains to be seen.
But if he is keen to play more next season to make Brazil’s World Cup squad, a move to Liverpool could prove a gamble.
He may find himself playing second fiddle to Ryan Gravenberch. And with Florian Wirtz’s arrival, Alexis Mac Allister could begin featuring as a six, making it even more difficult for Luiz to break into the team.
INEOS, for their part, will hope that being the first to offer him an escape route from Allianz Stadium (having made a move last winter) and the promise of ample game time at Old Trafford will sway him.
Either way, United should not rely on hope when they can tackle the deal head-on.
A swap deal (Jadon Sancho for Luiz), or even a straight loan with an option to buy, could tempt the Bianconeri to sanction an exit, thereby allowing United to beat Premier League opposition to this necessary midfield swoop.
Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
