Everton interested in signing midfielder who ‘can do everything Declan Rice can and better’
Douglas Luiz Linked with Premier League Return as Everton and Manchester United Circle
Douglas Luiz is once again being linked with a return to the Premier League, and both Everton and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring his situation closely. For Everton fans, Luiz is a familiar name—one that would spark excitement if the club could pull off what would be seen as a significant coup.
The Toffees are in the midst of a rebuild, and manager David Moyes has made it clear that he expects the club to match the ambition of its new state-of-the-art stadium with elite-level talent on the pitch. Since his return to the Goodison Park dugout, Moyes hasn’t been shy in outlining his desire to see Everton return to the upper reaches of English football. And bringing in a player of Luiz’s calibre would send out a bold statement of intent.
A Proven Premier League Performer
Luiz, who made his name during a five-year stint at Aston Villa, was at the heart of their recent resurgence. The Brazilian midfielder joined Villa in 2019 and gradually established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent and complete midfielders. His performances didn’t go unnoticed—Arsenal famously had two bids rejected for him in 2022.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Luiz was a standout performer as Villa finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League. His personal stats were impressive: 10 goals and 10 assists from 53 appearances across all competitions. That kind of productivity from a central midfielder drew interest from several top clubs, and ultimately, Juventus secured his signature for around £44 million. The move was, in part, influenced by Villa’s need to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
Struggles in Turin
However, things have not gone according to plan for Luiz in Italy. Despite the high expectations that followed his arrival in Turin, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself at Juventus. A tumultuous start to the 2024-25 season saw head coach Thiago Motta sacked early on, and although Igor Tudor has since taken the reins, Luiz’s fortunes have not improved.
He has featured sparingly in Serie A, managing just three starts over the course of the campaign, and played only 45 minutes across four games in Juventus’ Club World Cup campaign. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, Luiz will be well aware that a lack of playing time could seriously jeopardize his chances of representing Brazil. Having already been left out of the national team’s last two squads, the 26-year-old knows he needs regular football to force his way back into contention.
A Potential Perfect Fit at Everton
That’s where Everton could come in. The Merseyside club are currently light on midfield options. Although Idrissa Gana Gueye recently signed a new contract, the experienced Senegal international cannot be expected to carry the load alone. James Garner is the only other established senior midfielder in the squad, while Tim Iroegbunam—signed from Aston Villa—still lacks substantial Premier League experience.
In that context, Luiz could be a transformative signing. At 27 years old, he’s entering the prime of his career and already boasts 175 Premier League appearances. If Moyes can unlock the version of Luiz who thrived at Villa Park, it would represent a major win for Everton’s recruitment efforts.
Comparisons with Declan Rice
Douglas Luiz’s abilities have even drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top midfielders. Former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant, speaking on talkSPORT, once claimed that Luiz might actually offer more than England star Declan Rice. “Any team would dream to have Rice,” Pennant said, “but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa. I think he can do everything that Rice can do—and better.”
“He assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise, he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice and break up play just like Rice. So if someone asked me whether I’d take Douglas Luiz for £60 million or Declan Rice for £100 million, I’d choose Luiz every day of the week.”
Competition for His Signature
Everton, however, will not be alone in their interest. Manchester United are reportedly also keeping tabs on Luiz’s situation, while Fulham have emerged as another potential suitor. Yet the biggest advantage Everton may hold is the ability to offer regular first-team football—something that might not be guaranteed at bigger clubs with more crowded midfields.
Given Luiz’s desire to revive his international prospects and rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most talked-about midfielders, Goodison Park could represent the ideal platform. For Moyes and Everton, landing the Brazilian could be the kind of statement signing that sets the tone for their new era.