Nottingham Forest have made a significant move in the Premier League transfer window, securing Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus on a season-long loan that includes a conditional obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer.
The 27-year-old signed a five-year contract with Juventus only a year ago for around €50 million, but failed to secure a regular place in the starting XI, and now returns to England with Forest in a deal valued at approximately €25 million plus add-ons — a substantial loss for the Italian giants.
Douglas Luiz arrives at the City Ground with a wealth of Premier League and European competition experience. After emerging through Vasco da Gama’s youth ranks and attracting Manchester City’s interest, Luiz moved to Europe in 2017.
Loan spells at Girona followed, before he settled at Aston Villa in 2019, where he blossomed into a key central midfielder, known for his box-to-box energy, creativity, and goal contributions.
During his time with Villa, Luiz made over 200 appearances, scored 22 goals, and provided 24 assists. His 2022–23 season was especially notable: he was voted both Supporters’ Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season.
In 2024, Juventus paid a hefty fee to acquire Luiz, but his time in Turin did not go according to plan. He made just 27 appearances — starting only a handful and failing to register a goal or assist in competitive action — leaving both parties eager for a fresh start.
The loan deal with Forest includes a fixed obligation to buy Luiz should he reach a specified threshold of appearances. The total potential outlay is believed to be around €25 million, with possible bonuses bringing the sum closer to €31.5 million.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Luiz said, “I am really happy to be here, it’s a big club and I decided to come here because I can see the ambition the club has,” and added, “I am so excited to start with the team and give my best for the shirt and the fans.”
Forest’s Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson also spoke highly of the signing, stating, “It’s been a very busy but successful period for us in the window in the past few weeks, and Douglas is another addition to the squad that will bring significant quality to the group. He’s played at the highest level for a long time, understands the demands of the Premier League, and has experience playing in elite European competition.”
Following a strong seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, the club have secured qualification for the Europa League — their first return to European competition in three decades.
The club’s summer activity has been pronounced: alongside Luiz, Forest have brought in several new faces — including James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Jair Cunha — reflecting manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s intent to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.