Everton Urged to Join Leeds United in Pursuit of £42m Midfield Star as Juventus Open to Loan Exit
David Moyes is preparing for a crucial summer at Everton, as he looks to build on the impressive turnaround he orchestrated at Goodison Park in the latter half of last season. After taking charge from Sean Dyche in January, Moyes guided the Toffees to Premier League safety with room to spare, eventually securing a 13th-place finish and accumulating a solid 48 points—a marked improvement considering the perilous position the club was in when he arrived.
Now, with The Friedkin Group overseeing their first major transfer window since taking ownership, Everton are expected to be busy as they look to strengthen several key areas across the pitch. According to reports, four positions have been identified as priorities, and among them is the need for reinforcements in central midfield.
The departure of Orel Mangala—who has returned to Lyon after his loan stint—and the expiration of Abdoulaye Doucouré’s contract have left Moyes with a significant gap in the engine room. Everton’s midfield, already lacking depth, is now in need of a player who brings energy, composure, and experience. And one name that should be high on their radar is Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Leeds United Move for Douglas Luiz—Should Everton Enter the Race?
According to Tuttosport, Leeds United are actively pursuing Douglas Luiz, who joined Juventus from Aston Villa in a £42 million deal last summer. The Brazilian midfielder arrived in Turin with high expectations following a standout final season in the Premier League, but things have not gone to plan for him in Italy.
Injuries and inconsistent form have restricted Luiz to just 26 appearances across all competitions. Juventus, in turn, are now reportedly looking to offload him—either permanently or on an initial loan basis with an obligation to buy next summer. The reported loan-to-buy deal could be structured around a £26 million obligation clause, which would represent a notable discount from his original transfer fee.
Leeds’ interest in Luiz is a sign of ambition as they gear up for life back in the Premier League. But Everton would be wise not to let their newly-promoted rivals swoop in unchallenged. With Moyes looking to rebuild and reshape his midfield, Luiz presents an enticing opportunity.
Why Douglas Luiz Could Be the Ideal Fit at Goodison Park
It might be tempting to dismiss Luiz based on his struggles at Juventus, but such a judgment would ignore the player’s quality and proven ability in the Premier League. During his time at Aston Villa, Luiz developed into one of the league’s most well-rounded midfielders. In his final season at Villa Park, he delivered 10 goals and 10 assists, excelling in a box-to-box role that allowed him to influence the game at both ends of the pitch.
Energetic, technically sound, and tactically intelligent, Luiz was described as “a leader on the pitch” by former manager Unai Emery—a trait that David Moyes, known for his emphasis on character and discipline, would surely admire. Additionally, Luiz’s left-footedness would bring much-needed balance to Everton’s midfield, which currently lacks a natural left-sided central option.
Replacing Doucouré will not be easy. The Mali international brought drive and unpredictability to Everton’s play, and his ability to break from midfield and support the attack was a vital component of the team’s shape. But Luiz, with his creativity and strong defensive attributes, is one of the few available players who could offer a similarly dynamic presence.
A Chance for Redemption—and the Moyes Factor
Beyond his technical qualities, Douglas Luiz would arrive at Everton with something to prove. After a disappointing year in Italy, the 26-year-old will be eager to revive his career and re-establish himself as one of the top midfielders in European football. That desire for redemption could play directly into Moyes’ hands.
The Everton boss has built a reputation for nurturing players who have lost their way or need a fresh start. We’ve seen how he has instilled belief in struggling players—such as Beto—and it’s not unreasonable to imagine that he could do the same with Luiz. A loan move would also give Everton flexibility and reduce risk, while potentially securing a top-quality midfielder for a significantly lower long-term fee.
Conclusion: Everton Should Act Quickly
If Leeds are serious about signing Douglas Luiz, Everton must seriously consider entering the race. The Brazilian is not only an experienced Premier League player with 175 top-flight appearances to his name, but also a midfielder with leadership qualities and creativity—traits the Toffees are sorely lacking in midfield following recent departures.
With Juventus open to a loan exit and Luiz potentially available for half of what they paid last year, this could be one of the bargains of the summer. For Moyes, whose rebuild is gaining momentum, adding a player of Luiz’s caliber could be the catalyst for an even stronger season in 2025/26.