Huge Rothwell upgrade: Leeds make enquiry to sign “phenomenal” £30m star

Leeds United Confirm Departures of Rothwell and Solomon as Transfer Plans Accelerate

Leeds United have officially announced the departures of Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon, following the expiration of their respective loan deals at Elland Road. The pair played valuable roles during the club’s successful 2024/25 Championship campaign, which culminated in promotion back to the Premier League. However, as the Whites prepare for life in the top flight once again, both players have now moved on.

Rothwell, who joined Leeds on loan from Bournemouth, was a consistent presence in midfield, making 36 league appearances throughout the season. Despite his contributions, it has now been confirmed that he will not return to West Yorkshire on a permanent basis. Instead, Rangers have reportedly reached an agreement with Bournemouth to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal, ending any speculation about a potential Leeds return.

Meanwhile, Manor Solomon—on loan from Tottenham Hotspur—also exits after a mixed campaign. The Israeli winger struggled with injuries and consistency but added depth and experience to Daniel Farke’s squad during the Championship title run.

With both players departing, attention has quickly turned to the summer transfer market, as Leeds look to strengthen key areas in preparation for the challenges of the Premier League. The midfield, in particular, appears to be a top priority for the club’s recruitment team.

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Leeds United Targeting Juventus Midfielder Douglas Luiz

In their search for midfield reinforcements, Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on a high-profile target—Brazilian international Douglas Luiz, currently on the books at Italian giants Juventus.

According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web, Leeds are actively pursuing a deal for the former Aston Villa star, and they are said to be the only club to have made an official enquiry so far. Several Premier League sides are monitoring Luiz’s situation, but Leeds have made the first move in what could become one of the standout transfer pursuits of the summer.

Juventus are understood to be open to offloading Luiz, as they look to reduce their wage bill and balance the books. A potential loan deal with an obligation to buy has been mooted, which would allow Leeds to secure the midfielder’s services without an immediate heavy financial outlay. However, the Serie A club reportedly value Luiz at around £30 million, and it remains to be seen whether Leeds will be prepared to match that figure—either now or in the future.

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A Massive Upgrade on Rothwell?

Comparisons between Luiz and Rothwell underscore just how significant an upgrade the Brazilian could represent for Leeds United.

Despite both featuring in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, their performances were worlds apart. Rothwell struggled for form and minutes at Bournemouth—making just 11 top-flight appearances and failing to register a single goal or assist. In contrast, Luiz was one of Aston Villa’s standout performers, helping the club secure European qualification with 9 goals and 5 assists from 35 Premier League matches before sealing a high-profile switch to Juventus in the summer of 2024.

Luiz’s overall contribution in both attack and defense further highlights his superiority. According to Sofascore:

Metric Joe Rothwell (2023/24) Douglas Luiz (2023/24)

Appearances 11 35
Goals 0 9
Assists 0 5
Sofascore Rating 6.55 7.27
Tackles + Interceptions per Game 0.9 2.4
Duels Won per Game 1.5 4.1

The contrast is stark. Luiz is more effective in possession, more defensively diligent, and far more dynamic in the final third. This is likely why Sky Italia described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” and why pundit Lee Hendrie once labelled his performances as “phenomenal.”

Although Luiz found first-team opportunities limited at Juventus—starting just three of his 19 Serie A appearances last season—his pedigree is undeniable. That lack of playing time has seemingly opened the door for Leeds to swoop in and offer the midfielder a chance to relaunch his career in England.

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What Luiz Could Bring to Leeds United

For Leeds, signing Douglas Luiz would be a major statement of intent. The club is not just aiming to survive in the Premier League—they are looking to compete. Bringing in a proven top-flight midfielder with Champions League ambitions would immediately elevate the team’s midfield quality and depth.

Luiz’s arrival would also create healthy competition for current midfielders like Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, potentially pushing all three to raise their performances. Furthermore, Luiz’s versatility—capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box operator, or even in a more advanced role—would give Daniel Farke tactical flexibility as he crafts his Premier League line-up.

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Conclusion

While the departures of Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon mark the end of their short Leeds stints, they also signal the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the club. The hunt for quality additions is underway, and Douglas Luiz has emerged as a priority target who could significantly strengthen the Whites’ Premier League hopes.

Should Leeds manage to pull off the signing, it could go down as one of the most impressive transfers of the summer—providing them with a proven, dynamic midfield general capable of making an immediate impact at Elland Road.