Aston Villa v Southampton - Premier League - Villa Park Aston Villa s Douglas Luiz during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xNickxPottsx 57433183
According to Manchester Evening News (h/t Birmingham Live), Manchester City do not intend to exercise the buy-back clause for Douglas Luiz. The Athletic revealed that the £27.5million clause expires on June 5, 2021. While there has been a talk of a return for Luiz, it doesn’t seem like Manchester City are overly eager to follow up on that.
Luiz joined Aston Villa last summer and was one of the standout performers for the Villans in the previous campaign as Dean Smith’s side narrowly avoided relegation. The 22-year-old has contributed greatly to the club’s stunning start to the 2020-21 campaign, starting 15 of Villa’s 16 league fixtures so far.
The midfielder has made 50 appearances for Villa in all competitions so far, registering 3 goals and 4 assists in the process. Luiz has also earned 3 caps for Brazil at the senior level, having made his debut back in 2019.
Rodrigo Hernandez has taken over the reins from veteran Fernandinho as the first-choice holding midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s signature 4-3-3 system at the Etihad. The Spaniard has proven himself to be a handy player, acclimatising to the English game. Nonetheless, he does come with his set of limitations.
Also, Man City surely need someone to compete with Rodrigo for the No.6 role moving forward, with Fernandinho nearing his twilight at 35. The Brazilian is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning the Cityzens should definitely line up a younger alternative to restructure their midfield unit.
Putting things into context, Manchester City need to look no further beyond Douglas Luiz in a bid to bolster their midfield unit. The Brazilian has made significant strides in his development at Aston Villa. The Cityzens exercising their buy-back clause of £27.5million would offer Guardiola some much-needed cover for Rodri at the base of the midfield.
Douglas Luiz has established himself as one of the mainstays of Aston Villa’s midfield over the past year and still has his best years ahead of him at 22. The Brazilian has started to deliver on his potential and working under a charismatic manager like Guardiola will surely help him take his game to the next level.
Having said that, Manchester City would have a proven Premier League quality player competing for a place in their star-studded midfield if they manage to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Etihad.