Barcelona ‘in discussions’ to hijack major Aston Villa transfer as exact figures emerge

Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 13th Jun 2024, 10:07 BST
Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened.Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened.
Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened. | Getty Images
Barcelona are reportedly considering making a late hijack attempt to disrupt Aston Villa’s swap deal with Juventus.

Douglas Luiz is closing in on a move to Juventus with Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Junior set to move in the other direction, but Barça could spoil the party late on.

With Luiz now up for sale due to Villa’s troubles with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), there’s never been a better opportunity for clubs to make their swoops.

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Spanish outlet Sport reports the Catalan giants have been tracking Luiz for some time as sporting director Deco sees him as the perfect option to step into the midfield double pivot. It’s also claimed Barcelona ave been “insistently contacted” by Luiz’s representatives over recent days.

The midfielder is very keen on a move to Barça despite already agreeing personal terms with Juve in a deal worth around €5 million per year for four seasons. Barcelona could offer a more exciting footballing challenge, however, as they target the La Liga title up against a mightily competitive Real Madrid.

Barcelona need to move fast

Barça must act incredibly quickly if they want to perform a dramatic late hijack as Luiz’s move to Turin is imminent. All that’s needed for the deal to be finalised are contractual agreements for McKennie and Iling Junior ahead of their respective moves to Villa Park. Villa have already agreed to Luiz going in return for the two players and €18 million.

Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened.Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened.
Douglas Luiz is at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas – before the window has even opened. | Getty Images

Luiz, who signed for Villa from Manchester City for £15 million in 2019, has made 204 appearances for the club across all competitions. The 26-year-old, now entering his prime, has contributed 22 goals and 24 assists for the claret and blue club. He’s now set to move on.

Related topics:JuventusDouglas LuizBarcelonaSporting DirectorTransfer NewsPremier League

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