Juventus is reportedly growing increasingly anxious over the future of Douglas Luiz, as his permanent move to Nottingham Forest hangs by a thread due to his lack of playing time.
The Brazilian midfielder, who joined the Premier League side on loan last summer, is at the center of a complex contractual dispute. According to Tuttosport, the deal includes a mandatory purchase clause worth €20 million (approx. £17 million / R$156 million), but it will only be activated if specific performance milestones are met—milestones that Douglas Luiz is currently struggling to reach.
The “45-Minute” Conflict
The tension lies in the fine print. For the obligation to buy to take effect, Douglas Luiz must play at least five more matches with a minimum of 45 minutes each. However, under manager Sean Dyche, the Brazilian has found himself on the fringes of the squad. In the last 12 matches, he has started only once. Despite appearing in 13 games overall this season, his total minutes (656) show that he is often used as a late substitute, a tactic that effectively “freezes” the clause and keeps the financial burden on Juventus.
Marco Ottolini’s Mission
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Juventus Sporting Director Marco Ottolini is reportedly in constant dialogue with Nottingham Forest’s leadership. The Italian club’s goal is clear: ensure the Brazilian stays in England. A return to Turin is viewed as a “worst-case scenario” for three reasons:
- Financial Loss: Juve spent €51.5 million on the player and would face a significant minusvalenza (capital loss) if forced to resell him now.
- Market Devaluation: His current market value has dipped to approximately €27 million, and a failed loan spell would only drive the price lower.
- Squad Planning: The Bianconeri have already moved on from the player and have no desire to reintegrate him into the first team.
A Career at a Crossroads
Once considered one of the Premier League’s top midfielders at Aston Villa, Douglas Luiz’s career has stalled since his move to Italy. Now, his future depends on whether he can convince Sean Dyche to give him the minutes needed to trigger his permanent stay at the City Ground—or if he will be forced into another uncertain transfer window this summer.
