Juventus Open to Midfielder Exit with West Ham Leading the Race | OneFootball

West Ham’s Ambition Sparks Juventus Shake-Up

Douglas Luiz Set for Premier League Return?

Juventus’ restructuring could start with a dramatic move from East London. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, West Ham United are closing in on Douglas Luiz, determined to bring the Brazilian back to the Premier League following a tough season in Turin. Manager Graham Potter sees Luiz as the ideal playmaker to power his project, and the player himself appears tempted.

Once hailed at Aston Villa for his ten goals and ten assists in 2023-24, Luiz’s €50 million move to Juventus quickly lost its shine. Under Thiago Motta and then Igor Tudor, he was relegated to just 877 minutes, contributing neither goal nor assist. “The Brazilian is eager to return to the forefront and is tempted by West Ham, ready to reach an agreement with the Bianconeri.”

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It’s a move that could serve all parties. Juventus want to revitalise their midfield and are open to negotiation, reportedly discussing a high-interest loan of around €10 million with a mandatory buyout worth €25-30 million if conditions are met. “Nothing is certain yet, but optimism is growing,” the report states, though West Ham are understood to be pushing for a discounted price.

Juve’s Midfield Puzzle

Luiz’s potential departure is only part of the puzzle. Juventus general manager Damien Comolli is already working on replacements. Top of the wishlist remains Sandro Tonali, though Gazzetta Dello Sport notes that it “remains a dream that’s becoming more complicated every day”.

Realistic alternatives are now being prioritised. Granit Xhaka is a name gaining serious traction. “The Bianconeri are tempted by Xhaka and his leadership,” the article claims. The Swiss international helped Bayer Leverkusen to their historic 2024 Bundesliga title and now seems set for a new challenge following Xabi Alonso’s exit to Real Madrid.

At 32, Xhaka would be a short-term option but an effective one. With a €13-15 million price tag, Juventus are eyeing value and experience in equal measure. However, interest from Saudi Arabia could drive the price or shift the midfielder’s priorities altogether.

Tottenham Duo Enter Frame

Another option for Juventus is Yves Bissouma, with Comolli leveraging his prior relationship with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Bissouma’s contract runs until 2026, but Juventus “wouldn’t want to go beyond €15 million plus bonuses”. The valuation gap could be a sticking point.

The Italian giants have also enquired about Wolverhampton’s Brazilian midfielder André. However, non-EU slot limitations at Juventus—having recently signed Canadian international Jonathan David—mean only one non-European player can be added. This may complicate any pursuit of both André and Bissouma simultaneously.

Reinvention or Risk?

This feels like a high-stakes window for Juventus. Balancing departures, non-EU quotas and tight budgets, they’re threading a narrow needle. Yet with West Ham’s drive to get Luiz and Comolli’s active replacement hunt, the intent is unmistakable.

If this rebuild is to have substance, it will need clarity and cohesion. Signing battle-hardened leaders like Xhaka and unlocking Bissouma’s potential may prove smarter than chasing dreams like Tonali. And if Douglas Luiz flourishes under Graham Potter in London, Juventus might yet be criticised for letting him go just as he was ready to shine.

Our View – EPL Index

This report will have West Ham fans buzzing. Douglas Luiz in claret and blue? Yes, please. His numbers from 2023-24 at Villa speak volumes—ten goals, ten assists—and the fact that Juventus spent €50 million on him just last year tells you everything about his quality. If Graham Potter wants a dynamic, press-resistant midfielder to dictate tempo and link play, Luiz is a tailor-made option.

Yes, his time in Italy was a flop. But that doesn’t reflect his ability, it reflects a lack of system fit. Tudor and Motta didn’t use him properly, and West Ham stand to benefit. A creative structure like a loan with obligation to buy sounds perfect. The club’s pushing hard, and it shows ambition.

What’s more, he’s still only 26. He’s entering his prime. Imagine him alongside James Ward-Prowse or Edson Álvarez, dictating the midfield. If Potter builds around Luiz and gets someone like Kudus firing, West Ham can genuinely dream of a top-six finish.

It’s early days, but if this move happens, it could define West Ham’s season. Fingers crossed Comolli and Juventus play ball.