Nottingham Forest look set to reignite their interest in Douglas Luiz this summer, with Juventus demanding specifics in the negotiations to secure a good deal.
Forest want to sign Luiz at the end of the season and on the surface, it seems like a deal that should be simple enough for Evangelos Marinakis to complete, as Juventus are keen to move the Brazilian on.
The January transfer window saw the Forest owner pursue Luiz as a midfield priority, but eventually, Luiz decided to remain at Juventus. The Reds also had Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare returning to fitness, so a deal never looked sensible.
However, the summer will hopefully bring continental preparation for Nuno Espirito Santo, so a return for Luiz looks likely. Given this, a fresh report has detailed Juventus’ demands in the transfer.
Juventus will demand ‘obligation’ in any Douglas Luiz deal
Luiz has a £34m price tag should Forest seek out a permanent deal for the Brazilian midfielder, but according to a report by Tuttosport, the negotiations may be slightly more complicated.
The report said that Luiz leaving the Turin side would be the most “welcome solution” for all parties, but Forest may seek out an initial loan for the 26-year-old.
On the details of this loan, the report said: “The feeling is that Forest could try to put on the table a costly loan with the right to redeem, which Juventus would like to transform into an obligation upon the triggering of certain conditions.”
It is no surprise that the permanence of Luiz’s place in the Forest squad is the key negotiating point as Juventus will want guarantees of a fee for their midfield outcast, but Espirito Santo will want to take a look at him before committing a significant sum.
Whatever that sum is, though, Forest can take confidence that they have a secret weapon to deploy at the negotiation table.
Edu Gaspar could prove the difference in the Douglas Luiz chase
Edu Gaspar was spotted at the City Ground when Forest lost to Everton, which fueled speculation once more about what his role is at the club, but Edu has yet to sign a Forest contract by all accounts.
However, should the long-awaited deal for the sporting director finally be secured, his relationship with the Luiz camp could be the difference in Forest negotiating a favourable deal.
It has been said that Edu has a strong relationship with Luiz’s agent, which will be all-important when dealing with the Brazilian’s contract demands, but also in convincing him that the City Ground is the right move, which could force Juventus’ hand in the deal.
There shouldn’t be a problem in convincing Juventus to part ways with the former Aston Villa midfielder, but if Edu can help Forest agree a deal for Luiz that is favourable, it would be the perfect way for him to introduce himself to the Reds fans.
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