Leeds United suddenly the ‘most viable’ destination for Olympic gold medalist in surprise turn of events

Leeds United Eye Ambitious Double Swoop for Juventus Stars Douglas Luiz and Timothy Weah

Leeds United’s summer transfer window is beginning to heat up, with the club being linked to several midfield reinforcements. However, none of those names have captured the imagination of supporters quite like Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder, currently with Juventus, is now at the centre of what would be an audacious and high-profile move by the Championship side as they plot their return to the Premier League.

Graham Smyth recently highlighted Leeds’ intent to pursue ambitious signings early in the window, with the club determined to strengthen key areas of their squad. Among those potential marquee arrivals is Douglas Luiz, whose name has emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities. Leeds have already been linked with several midfield targets in recent weeks, but reports now suggest the club has entered the race for Luiz, a player once considered among the Premier League’s top midfielders during his time at Aston Villa.

Juventus Open to Cut-Price Sale

In a twist that could work in Leeds’ favour, Juventus are reportedly prepared to accept a financial loss on Luiz, just a year after acquiring him for a hefty €42 million (£35.5m). The Italian giants are now said to be willing to offload the 26-year-old for a reduced fee in the region of €30 million (£25.4m). The drop in valuation could present Leeds with a rare opportunity to secure a player of genuine top-tier quality, especially if other interested clubs hesitate.

Leeds fans, understandably, are thrilled by the speculation and the prospect of Luiz donning the white shirt next season. Many see the Brazilian as a game-changer who could transform the midfield and bring a much-needed mix of creativity, composure, and experience. If the club can pull off this signing, it would represent a major statement of intent.

Competition from Premier League Rivals

Leeds’ pursuit of Luiz will not be straightforward, though. Manchester United have reportedly expressed interest in the player as part of a proposed swap deal involving Jadon Sancho. That level of competition makes the deal a challenging one for Leeds, especially given their current status outside the top flight and the financial muscle of Premier League clubs.

However, there remains a sliver of hope for the Yorkshire outfit. Reports from Italy suggest that newly appointed Juventus manager José Mourinho could play a key role in facilitating Luiz’s departure. It is unclear whether Mourinho would prefer to cash in on Luiz to reshape his squad or keep him as part of his plans, but the mere possibility of his influence helping Leeds has added a fresh dimension to the story.

Opportunity Knocks as Other Clubs Stall

Surprisingly, despite Luiz’s proven ability and strong performances in the Premier League, there has been a noticeable lack of firm offers from other clubs so far this summer. According to Calciomercato, this could open the door for Leeds to step in. The club has reportedly made contact with the player’s representatives and is monitoring the situation closely.

Given Luiz’s pedigree—he was once Aston Villa’s standout performer and also boasts Olympic gold with Brazil—his availability at a discounted price is a rare market opportunity. Leeds, once considered outsiders in this race, are now increasingly being viewed as serious contenders.

Weah Also on Leeds’ Radar

Intriguingly, Douglas Luiz is not the only Juventus player on Leeds United’s wishlist. The club has also been linked with a move for American international Timothy Weah. The versatile forward, who can operate as a winger, striker, or even as a wing-back, is another player Juventus are reportedly willing to let go.

Although Weah hasn’t quite lit up Serie A since joining Juve, he remains a player of significant potential and fits the physical profile for success in the English game. His explosive pace and athleticism could make him an ideal option in a league that increasingly values direct and powerful attacking play.

2024/25 Season Stats: Luiz vs. Weah

Player Appearances Goals Assists Yellow Cards / Red Cards

Douglas Luiz 27 0 0 2 / 0
Timothy Weah 43 6 5 5 / 0

While Luiz’s statistical output may seem underwhelming, it doesn’t fully reflect his ability to control matches from midfield and shield the back line. Weah, meanwhile, has chipped in with goals and assists and would bring valuable versatility to Daniel Farke’s squad.

Leeds’ Ambition on Full Display

The fact that Leeds United are even in the conversation for players of this calibre is a testament to their ambition under their current ownership and management. While both transfers would require significant financial commitment and effort, the very possibility of landing Luiz and Weah underscores the club’s intent to build a squad capable of not just competing, but thriving, in the top tier once again.

For now, supporters will be watching closely, hoping that these ambitious links materialise into real action—and perhaps, before long, into two eye-catching signings