‘One last attempt’ - Aston Villa deal thrown into doubt as Juventus eye late change

The Villans looked all set to complete a player-plus-cash exchange deal with Juve after terms were agreed between the two clubs, but complications have since arisen.

Luiz was to move to Juve for €20 million (£16.8 million), while Samuel Iling Junior and Weston McKennie were to move in the other direction to make up the rest of the valuation. Luiz and Iling Junior had no issues regarding personal terms but McKennie’s exit demands to Juve have since complicated matters.

As a result, the deal was at risk of falling through all together. McKennie would either have to loosen his stance or Juve would have to offer a different player in the exchange. It turns out the Serie A giants have attempted the latter, though not after one last effort at saving the original deal.

Sportitalia reports Juve made a last-ditch attempt to change McKennie’s mind, contacting the player and his representatives late on Wednesday evening. A recent post from Fabrizio Romano suggests Juve’s eleventh-hour persuasion failed, with Argentine midfielder Enzo Barrenechea now expected to replace McKennie.

Romano, widely respected for the accuracy of his transfer news, wrote on X: “Aston Villa are currently working on Douglas Luiz swap deal. Douglas strongly wants Juventus, talks advance with Barrenechea and Iling Junior plus over €20 million to Villa. Talks underway.”

Douglas Luiz deal at slight risk of falling through

The transfer should now proceed with McKennie replaced successfully, though Barrenechea is yet to agree personal terms himself. If an issue arises there, the only other player Villa would be keen on is Matias Soule but Juve are unwilling to let the attacking midfielder exit.

Luiz departing Villa Park will leave a huge void as he was one of Unai Emery’s most effective players during last season’s remarkable run to a top-four Premier League finish. But Barrenechea, albeit fairly inexperienced, has bags of potential to unlock.

Iling Junior, although in a different position out on the flank, is also an exciting prospect. There could be good sell-on value if nothing else.