Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus, with the Brazilian midfielder expected to undergo a medical on Thursday (today) ahead of completing his return to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old will join Forest on an initial loan deal that includes an obligation to buy based on appearances.
Should Luiz not meet the required number of matches, Forest will still retain the option to make the move permanent for around €30m.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Forest and Juventus are finalising paperwork to allow Luiz to travel to England today, with official confirmation expected once contracts are signed.
Italian outlet Football Italia reports that Juventus agreed to reduce their initial demands, provided there were guarantees of a permanent move beyond June 2026.
Luiz joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summer in a €50m (£42.3m) deal, a move that helped Villa comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
However, his time in Turin proved underwhelming: he made 27 appearances in all competitions, starting just six matches and only three in Serie A, failing to register a goal or assist.
A return to England had long been on Luiz’s mind, he was linked with Manchester City in January, but Juventus blocked a loan switch without a mandatory purchase clause and Forest have now offered a solution that suits all parties.
The Brazil international had been one of Villa’s standout players before leaving, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2023/24 season, and his arrival represents a major coup for Forest.
The East Midlands club have been extremely active in the market this summer as they look to strengthen under manager Nuno EspÃrito Santo.
Deals have already been completed for Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo, while club-record signing Dan Ndoye arrived from Bologna earlier in the window, Forest are also pursuing Rico Lewis from Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Brazilian duo Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have been recruited from Botafogo, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn joined on a free transfer.
If all goes according to plan, Luiz’s transfer will be confirmed later this week, giving Forest a proven Premier League midfielder with Champions League experience as they aim to push further up the table this season.