Douglas Luiz agrees to rejoin Aston Villa on loan from Juventus as Unai Emery moves fast to cover a mounting midfield injury crisis.
Aston Villa have agreed a deal to bring Douglas Luiz back to the club on loan, with the midfielder set for a swift return to Villa Park. The 27-year-old will return Juventus, ending his loan spell at Nottingham Forest early ahead of the transfer deadline. The agreement includes an option to buy at the end of the season. Luiz has made 14 appearances for Forest this campaign but struggled for rhythm.
Villa moved quickly as injuries continued to pile up in midfield. Luiz, who made 204 appearances for the club between 2019 and 2024, scoring 22 goals and providing 25 assists, was keen on a reunion. Chelsea had explored a possible move, but Villa were always his first choice. Personal terms were agreed without delay once discussions accelerated.
Unai Emery’s hand was forced by a growing list of absentees in the engine room. Boubacar Kamara is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Club captain John McGinn is also facing up to two months out. Youri Tielemans joined them after limping off against Newcastle on Sunday.
Those setbacks left Villa light in central areas during a demanding run of fixtures. Emery had already missed out on Conor Gallagher earlier in the window. The return of Luiz offers experience, tactical understanding and immediate cover. He knows the demands of the Premier League and Emery’s system.
Luiz left Villa in June 2024 after a £42.5m move to Juventus, driven by financial pressures at the club. His time in Italy proved difficult, with just three Serie A starts before being loaned to Forest. Injuries and limited minutes stalled his momentum in Nottingham. A return to familiar surroundings offers a chance to reset.
During his first spell, Luiz was a key figure under multiple managers. He provided balance, set piece quality and consistent availability. His understanding of Villa Park and the supporters remains strong. That history played a major role in the decision.
Villa sit third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal. They have also secured Europa League last 16 qualification with a game to spare. However, the recent injury run has stretched the squad. Luiz’s arrival comes before league matches against key rivals and knockout football resumes.
This season at Forest, Luiz has started five league games, totaling just over 300 minutes. While those numbers are modest, Villa value his wider body of work. His past output included goals from midfield and control in high pressure matches. Fitness will be carefully managed on his return.
Luiz is expected to slot straight into Emery’s rotation once registered. His presence should ease the burden on younger options and allow greater tactical flexibility. Villa have also completed the signing of Tammy Abraham, further strengthening depth.
With domestic cup, league and European ambitions intact, Villa needed certainty and experience. Luiz provides both. His return could prove decisive as the season enters a critical phase. Villa host RB Salzburg on Thursday, 29thJanuary in the Europa league before hosting Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.
