Juventus Transfer Market: A Surplus Player Set to Be Sold Off Becomes a New Asset for Spalletti

“That’s an assessment we’ll make, and it will likely turn out that way.” Luciano Spalletti’s openness to Douglas Luiz staying at Juventus—expressed after the match against Palermo—reflects the Brazilian midfielder’s current situation. Having returned to Turin on June 30 after loan stints at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, the player seems to have stepped up his game and is earning the coach’s trust.

“The reason I’ve been playing him is so I can get to know him,” Spalletti explained. “He has undeniable qualities; we need to assess how he covers the field, but he can alternate with both a more attacking teammate and a more defensive one. He has this ease in building play and threading passes: he’s someone who knows how to play soccer and understands the game, so I’m also satisfied with his performances.”

The absence of Khephren Thuram, sidelined by injury, could give Douglas Luiz more playing time in the rotation. However, the possibility of Weston McKennie dropping back into midfield represents competition that must be taken into account. With two spots available for four players—not to mention Koopmeiners—managing the roster will be crucial, especially considering the three competitions this season.

One statistic, however, already stands out: Douglas Luiz has started all six of the team’s friendly matches. This is a clear sign of the confidence Spalletti has in the Brazilian, who could therefore remain at Juventus in a more prominent role than he has had in recent seasons.

Signed two summers ago for 51.5 million euros, Douglas Luiz was part of a deal that also involved Iling Jr. and Barrenechea, with a complex web of capital gains that facilitated the agreement with Aston Villa. That scenario is now a thing of the past, and Juventus could aim to permanently re-sign the midfielder. A strong season could also turn him into a valuable asset for the club.