The future of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz’s future remains a hot topic in the summer transfer window. The Brazil international has started 32 of Villa’s 38 Premier League games last season having been a roaring success in his debut campaign to help Villa to safety following a £15million transfer from Manchester City in August 2019. In an interview with EPSN Brasil in December, Douglas said he was aware of the clause but remained fully focused on doing his best for Villa.
Douglas Luiz said: “In fact, I am aware of the repurchase. I try to do my job on the pitch, that’s the truth. The things people stay on the outside, I try not to focus on that, because it can hinder me on the pitch. These things I have to leave to my family, to my agents. And they are off the field to play that role. I play my part on the pitch.”
He also opened up on his departure from the Etihad and said Guardiola was desperate to keep him.
Douglas Luiz said: “As soon as I left Vasco, I already knew about the Manchester City project. That’s why I ended up accepting it. I knew that in the first year, I’d go on loan to Spain to play for Girona. At Girona I didn’t have such a good year, so to speak. I had just left Brazilian football, I went to the Spanish league, I ended up not adapting so well, the first year I didn’t play. In the following year, I did the pre-season with City and it was very good, I ended up impressing Pep Guardiola, and he did everything he could for me to stay, but there was a visa problem. I won’t be blaming one or the other. When it’s to happen, it happens, if it didn’t happen, it’s because it wasn’t the right time.”
What Guardiola has said
Quizzed Guardiola over the now expired buy-back option after City’s victory at Villa Park in April.
Pep Guardiola said: “He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy. Unfortunately when he came (to City) a work permit meant he could not play but I’m happy he’s developed really, really well. But there are a lot of people in the club working about this type of players and, at the end of the season, we will take a decision.”
Smith addresses situation
The Villa boss told reporters at a press conference earlier in the season that he wasn’t overly concerned about the City rumours.
Dean Smith said: “He’s done really well for Brazil. There’s been talk about a buy-back option. I’m not aware of it, I don’t deal with contracts. I deal with the players. What I know is Douglas Luiz is loving his time at Aston Villa and getting better and better. He’s performing very well for Brazil as well. Long may that continue. Next summer’s a long way off for me, we’ve got 31 games in the Premier League left still so I’m concentrating on that.”
