Liverpool see Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as a “valid option” as they seek an “alternative to Thiago Alcantara”, according to TuttoJuve.com.
The Italian website says that the Reds have joined Juventus and Arsenal in pursuing the Brazilian international.
However, it is believed that Villa have slapped a €70m (£59m) asking price on Luiz and fans on X think it is very unlikely that Arne Slot’s side will make a bid for him this summer:
They can keep him.
— Gianluca Gaspari ⭐ 🇺🇦 (@DoublexG_95) June 5, 2024
Is he is not a 6 we don’t need him
— BlvckboyJussy (@JussyBlvckboy) June 5, 2024
As a replacement for who
— Arne slot (@slot_era_) June 5, 2024
Smashing player but we’re just not after him lbh
— Aaron Doherty (@aarondoc971) June 6, 2024
Silly season in full swing
— Nathan (@QuinnNathan132) June 5, 2024
Guimeras is better
— kinqbodex🥴 (@Bodex_24) June 6, 2024
We don't need Douglas Luiz. We need a no 6
— Burgers (@SerikiDaniel) June 5, 2024
I like Douglas, but 59m!?
— Freshlee (@eferogene) June 5, 2024
Liverpool will prioritise signing a No.6
If the Reds are looking to strengthen their midfield options, you can’t see them pursuing a player like Luiz.
The Brazilian is a talented player but he is better playing as a No.8, which is not an area where the Merseyside club are short of numbers. If a midfielder is signed over the next few months, you would expect that a replacement for Wataru Endo would be the priority.
What are the club’s plans for the summer transfer window?
There is a feeling that Liverpool won’t do much business early in the window as Slot will want to assess his squad in preseason.
That doesn’t mean that sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment team are not identifying targets but it’s probably wise to take any transfer rumours with a large pinch of salt at the moment.
